Scandal course against Gdynia's vice president: travel instead of education?

Scandal course against Gdynia's vice president: travel instead of education?

The focus of the current debate in Gdynia is Vice President Oktawia Gorzeńska, whose numerous business trips are being questioned. This is reported by Dzien Dobry Pomorze, according to which Grzegorz Pogorzelski criticizes the trip to Gdynia, which was supposedly intended to serve the needs of students and teachers. Pogorzelski suspects that the new leadership in Gdynia wants to secure its political standing for the next term. “There are many urgent tasks in Gdynia that cannot be solved through international travel,” he emphasizes.

Gorzeńska's criticized trips - including a workshop in Vienna and an expert panel in Paris - cast a shadow over the actual needs of schools in Gdynia. While Gorzeńska complains about financial constraints, with almost nine times less budgeted for school maintenance in 2024 than the average of comparable cities, she is taking part in events in Osaka for Expo 2025, which will cost PLN 10,699. This could give the impression that the vice president is more focused on political ambitions than on the pressing education issues.

Grzegorz Pogorzelski responds to the criticism

Pogorzelski is by no means alone in his opinion here. He has already mentioned the trip to the workshops of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Vienna, which had little to do with the current challenges in education in Gdynia. In addition, the NDI has received significantly less funding since Trump. The trip to Paris, which Gorzeńska portrays as significant for her educational goals, is also viewed in a different light when one considers the catastrophic conditions of the city's schools.

Gorzeńska, on the other hand, defends herself against the allegations and explains that she is not under pressure and that her trips are necessary for the city of Gdynia. She refers to her role as responsible for education, cultural heritage, equal treatment and renovations of municipal buildings. According to her website, Gorzeńska is also described as an advocate of authentic leadership, but at the same time she has repeatedly pointed out the need for international cooperation.

Cultural foreign relations in context

In connection with Gorzeńska's travels, the role of cultural education should not be underestimated. In a current report, the Goethe-Institut highlights how important foreign cultural and educational policy (AKBP) is in the face of global challenges. It promotes cultural exchange and contributes to understanding between societies. Against the backdrop of geopolitical conflicts, international exchange is more in demand than ever, so Gorzeńska may have a point in her efforts.

Still, it remains to be seen how Gdynia will find the balance between international visibility and addressing pressing educational problems. Studies and initiatives abroad are undoubtedly valuable, but the city's core tasks, such as maintaining its schools, must not be lost sight of. When discussing political priorities, Gdynia would do well to take seriously the voices of officials like Pogorzelski to ensure that the needs of citizens are the focus.