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Poland Probes Foreign-Funded Ads Amid Suspected Russian Election Interference

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Photo of Lucile Brizard
Lucile Brizard
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Poland Probes Foreign-Funded Ads Amid Suspected Russian Election Interference
Polish Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski spoke at the Lewica party congress in Warsaw on December 15, 2024, where the party announced its presidential candidate. (Source: Getty Images)

Foreign-funded political advertisements on Facebook appear to be part of an attempt to interfere in Poland’s upcoming presidential election, the National Research Institute (NASK) said in a statement released on May 14.

The institute reported that the ads, which are not linked to any registered election committee, significantly outspent official campaign teams over the past week and targeted candidates across the political spectrum.

The announcement came days after Poland’s Minister of Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, warned on May 6 of what he called an “unprecedented” interference campaign linked to Moscow. According to NASK, the advertisements were framed to appear supportive of one candidate while discrediting others.

“The analysis indicates a possible provocation,” the agency stated.

An investigation into the origin and financing of the ads is ongoing. Authorities have not yet named specific actors responsible for the campaign.

The discovery adds to growing concerns over election security ahead of Poland’s presidential vote on May 18. Officials and analysts have drawn parallels to similar interference efforts observed during Romania’s 2024 elections.

The election features a competitive field, including Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, Poland 2050 party leader Szymon Hołownia, Law and Justice (PiS) party-backed candidate Karol Nawrocki, and far-right candidate Sławomir Mentzen.

Some candidates have faced scrutiny over comments perceived as sympathetic to Russian interests. Mentzen, in particular, has drawn criticism for affiliations with nationalist groups opposed to Poland’s pro-Western policies.

Earlier, three diplomats from Russia’s consulate in Kraków were declared persona non grata in connection with a sabotage attack on a Warsaw shopping center in 2023.

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