Sun Apr 06 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Polish Institute of National Remembrance Faces Scrutiny Amidst Funding Controversy and Berlin Branch Dispute

**WARSAW, Poland** – The Polish Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), established to research the crimes of totalitarian regimes, is facing intense scrutiny following revelations about its funding and the operation of its Berlin branch. A recent parliamentary report revealed that the institute spent 700 million złoty (approximately €150 million) over six years, with only 16 of its over 220 employees classified as research staff. This has led to accusations of mismanagement and the creation of sinecures for members of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party.

The IPN’s Berlin branch, operating since 2019, has become a focal point of the controversy. Following the release of the report, prominent German, Polish, and Ukrainian academics, journalists, and concerned citizens signed appeals urging the Polish government not to close the Berlin office. The appeals, initiated by a British journalist based in Berlin, highlight the branch’s valuable work, particularly its focus on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

While the IPN’s director, Professor Krzysztof Ruchniewicz, insists the Berlin branch is not facing closure, he expressed concerns about its financial transparency and its emphasis on public relations activities over scholarly research. He also noted the absence of qualified researchers within the branch’s staff and expressed dissatisfaction with its operation under German labor law, including communication with the Warsaw headquarters in German. The annual cost of the Berlin branch is estimated at 14 million złoty (€3 million).

Further fueling the controversy are suggestions that the Berlin branch, managed by Hanna Radziejowska and Mateusz Fałkowski, is attempting to become independent from the Warsaw headquarters. The formation of a works council (Betriebsrat) within the Berlin office is seen by some as a maneuver to prevent staff changes. Sources within the German diplomatic community have noted the Berlin branch’s evolution from a traditionally patriotic institution to one with a broader scope, encompassing discussions and events relating to Ukraine.

While the Berlin branch receives positive feedback for its work on the Ukraine conflict from some German media and individuals, its association with the PiS party remains a source of tension, potentially hindering cooperation with German institutions. The IPN’s Warsaw headquarters, now under a different government, finds itself struggling to address the situation, facing significant costs associated with maintaining the Berlin office as well as branches planned for the USA and Switzerland. For now, the Polish government is adopting a wait-and-see approach.

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