The introduction of the Central registry of Contracts (CRU) is 1 of the most crucial projects to increase public spending transparency, but its implementation is controversial and delayed. The thought of creating the registry came in 2022, and its aim was to be a public database containing information about contracts concluded by state institutions, local governments and services. As it turns out, the proposals of the Ministry of Finance related to CRU are far from the first assumptions.
Publicity threshold: PLN 10 thousand
One of the biggest objections to the current task is the introduction of a threshold of PLN 10 thousand. This means that contracts below this amount will not be covered by the register. Patrycja Satora, Vice president of the Institute of Public Finance, pointed out that specified a regulation may consequence in a deficiency of transparency for as much as 80% of public spending. "Most of the expenditure of municipalities, orders and services is little than PLN 10 thousand. If the ministry introduces specified a threshold, there is simply a reasonable hazard that 80% of spending will inactive not be public to us," Sator said on TOK FM.
According to the expert, the Central registry of Contracts was primarily intended to be a tool for citizens to control how public funds are spent. However, the current assumptions of the task may importantly reduce its effectiveness.
Delaying implementation of CRUs
During the election campaign, the Civic Coalition promised to rapidly introduce CRU. However, the Ministry of Finance has now announced that the registry will not start operating until 1 January 2026. For many observers, it's a disappointment. Patrycja Satora expressed her misunderstanding in the absence of more urgent actions: "I do not know why KO does not introduce this," she said.
Issues and deficiency of transparency
Experts stress that the operation of the Central registry of Agreements could prevent many public expenditure controversy. 1 example is the case described by “Gazeta Wyborcza” concerning the usage of the flat in Gdańsk by Karol Nawrocki, the current presidential candidate supported by the Law and Justice. According to the GW, Nawrocki utilized the flat free of charge, despite having his own flat in the city. In response, Nawrocki said: “I had a 10-day quarantine in 1 of the rooms twice and for a minute in the apartment. I have not put the Treasury or the museum at any cost.”
Poles want transparency
According to the investigation conducted by the Institute of Public Finance, as many as 86% of Poles advocate greater transparency of public spending. The introduction of an effective CRU could make a crucial contribution to this request. However, the current assumptions rise concerns that much information will stay beyond the scope of citizens.
Summary
The Central registry of Contracts could become an crucial tool to strengthen transparency of public finances in Poland. However, in order to accomplish this objective, it is essential to remove the contract value threshold and accelerate the implementation of the register. As has been shown by past examples, deficiency of transparency in public finances can lead to abuse and failure of public assurance in state institutions. Poles clearly point to the request for change – will the government take their demands into account?
Read more:
Tusk wants to conceal the transparency of public contracts
