During the press conference, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Maciej Lasek explained that KOWR was in talks with Piotr Wielgomas, vice-president of the Dawtona company, which purchased the plot. He pointed out that a change in local development plans may enable the purchase of the property. The agreement concluded in December 2023 provides for the possibility of a “reverse transaction” under certain conditions. Lasek emphasized that the good will of the current owner would significantly improve the process.
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Plot in Zabłotnia. Maciej Lasek and Filip Czernicki comment
Filip Czernicki, president of CPK, announced that the company received confirmation of the transaction from KOWR already in April 2024. As he noted, cooperation with KOWR is based on the use of the provisions of the sales contract, which allow the state to purchase the plot at the 2023 price. Czernicki added that talks with the buyer are ongoing, and the plot is a key element of a public purpose investment.
According to Lasek, the government's approval of the Development Strategy for the STH Surrounding Area, which is currently being processed, will enable changes in the local spatial development plan. The deputy minister emphasized that although CPK was not a party to the sale, KOWR, as the former owner, should carry out the repurchase process, and CPK can only apply for the transfer of the plot.
Piotr Wielgomas emphasized in his statement that KOWR has the right to repurchase the plot until December 2028, in accordance with the provisions of the sale agreement. He also indicated that at the time of purchasing the property he was not aware that this area would be included in CPK's investment plans. He stated that he did not agree to being a “tool in political games” and emphasized that all his contacts with representatives of the government and local governments were legal.
Lasek assured that despite the current difficulties, the CPK investment process is not at risk. If negotiations fail, the plot may be taken over pursuant to a location decision under the expropriation procedure. President Czernicki added that in such a case, the State Treasury will incur additional compensation costs, which may range from PLN 6 to several million, which means a financial loss.
Read also: KOWR will demand the return of the plot for the CPK. New move after controversial sale
Political consequences of the plot scandal
The issue of selling the plot in Zabłotnia also aroused political controversy. Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the sales process, pointing to suspicions of irregularities. In turn, PiS president Jarosław Kaczyński suspended several people related to the transaction as party members, including former Minister of Agriculture Robert Telus. PiS also announced the establishment of a team to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, the CPK authorities assure that the situation in Zabłotnia is incidental and does not affect the construction schedule of the airport or railway lines. Czernicki emphasized that all transactions in the investment area are monitored, and notaries are obliged to inform the company about the right of pre-emption.
