A recent scandal has erupted in Poland, as recordings obtained by Niezalezna.pl reveal Minister of Science and Higher Education, Dariusz Wieczorek, pressuring the rector of PUZ in Grudziądz to resign immediately or face the closure of the university. The exchange, which took place on February 19, 2024, captured Wieczorek and a ministry director coercing the rector to step down within the day, under threat of liquidation of the institution.
Mentioning the potential closure of the university if the resignation wasn’t submitted promptly, the officials emphasized the importance of immediate action. However, despite the pressure, the rector promised to resign the following day to allow for a proper transition.
If the demands were met, the ministry assured support for the university’s survival, growth, and the possibility of expanding its educational offerings. This scandal sheds light on the power dynamics within the Polish educational system and the challenges faced by university administrators in maintaining autonomy.