Polish Sejm member Konrad Berkowicz caught “stealing” from IKEA
Konrad Berkowicz, a Polish Sejm representative from the Confederation, faced apprehension by IKEA security in Krakow for taking unpaid items valued at around 390 zlotys from the establishment.
Reporter Mariusz Gierszewski from Radio ZET reports that the event transpired beyond the checkout area, leading to police intervention. The lawmaker did not claim parliamentary protection, acknowledged wrongdoing, expressed remorse, and settled a 500 zloty penalty.
Berkovich described the circumstance as arising from urgency and lack of focus: “I was conducting extensive shopping in a rush. Pure absentmindedness—a skillet and some dishes. A foolish error, for which I offered an apology and received a monetary sanction. I didn’t take refuge behind immunity, unlike some fellow politicians,” he posted online.
Colleague Sławomir Menzen defended the figure, indicating that construing a clear blunder as a theft accusation was “absurd.” He mentioned Berković had earphones on, suggesting that some of the items may have been inadvertently overlooked.
Polish Premier Donald Tusk reacted to the affair with sarcasm: “A high-ranking member of the Confederation was discovered trying to pilfer from IKEA. The sum is trivial compared to the PiS scandals, but everyone has to begin somewhere.”
The occurrence has instigated intense debate throughout Polish news outlets and online platforms.
