Without a captain, the starosty is sinking, while the rats do not want to abandon ship because the captain’s bridge is up for grabs. Karolowi Stasikowi has failed both to preserve the existing Civic Platform–SLD–PSL coalition and to assemble another one that would guarantee the position of starosta to him or, let us say, Kazimierzowi Gawronowi, that is, to the Civic Platform boys.
New candidates for the position of starosta continue to emerge; some are unrealistic, while others are possible. Two candidates were mentioned: Janie Cołokidzim, head of Ziemia Bolesławiecka, and deputy starosta Marianie Haniszewskim. If the Ziemia Bolesławiecka councillors manage to reach an agreement with the currently divided PSL club, they may seek coalition partners together—for example, PiS and Gospodarze (associated with President Roman)—and remove Civic Platform from governing the county.
Dariusz Kwaśniewski fell ill with a difficult and debilitating disease in 2015. For almost a year, he has probably been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Probably, because he is reportedly said to have several other diagnoses as well. If it is ALS, it involves the gradual paralysis of nerve fibres responsible for muscle functions and neurons in the brain responsible for movement. For several months, the starosta has moved only in a wheelchair, has weakness in his arms and has problems speaking.
The fact that a fit, middle-aged man suddenly lost his strength and ability to move independently deeply affected all the starosta’s relatives and acquaintances. Despite his illness, Dariusz Kwaśniewski works and tries to manage the county, but he is increasingly often on sick leave. At present, he allows only selected people from his closest circle of colleagues and friends to see him. The starosta intends to publish a statement concerning the situation in the County soon.
We stress that the activities of the County Council and the councillors’ ambitions do not affect the work of the office. All departments and the county institutions subordinate to them are operating without problems.