Tusk demands re-vote on crypto law after Zondacrypto ties

Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, has requested a re-vote on a draft cryptocurrency law after documents and testimony emerged showing repeated meetings between Zondacrypto executives and members of the Sejm committees that reviewed the bill. Tusk asked the Sejm to delay final passage and to hold a fresh vote after an independent review of the contacts.

The documents and testimony indicate Zondacrypto representatives met several times with committee members and offered detailed policy suggestions. The prime minister argued those interactions raise questions about whether the draft reflects public interest or private commercial priorities and called for publication of meeting logs and testimony from company executives and parliamentary aides.

The draft law would tighten licensing, reporting and consumer-protection rules for platforms operating in Poland. Supporters say the text would provide legal clarity and attract regulated fintech firms. Critics say parts of the draft include exemptions and fast-track procedures that could benefit a small number of companies. After the Zondacrypto material became public, opposition and some coalition MPs demanded a review of lobbying records and communications between the company and parliamentary staff.

Zondacrypto denied breaking the law and said it engaged with lawmakers to explain technical aspects of crypto markets. In a brief statement the company said it “cooperated in good faith with parliamentarians to inform the legislative process” and urged authorities to focus on facts rather than leaks. Lawmakers from both sides asked for the documents to be made public and requested that ethics committees examine possible conflicts of interest.

Parliamentary leaders have scheduled a procedural session to consider Tusk’s request. Some MPs backed a re-vote to restore public confidence in the process, while others warned reopening the debate could delay rules aimed at anti-money laundering and investor protection. Members of the negotiating committee said they would support measures to increase transparency, including requiring disclosure of meetings between industry representatives and legislators.

Market participants and industry groups responded cautiously. A coalition of fintech startups called for clarity and a swift resolution, warning that legal uncertainty harms smaller firms trying to comply. Consumer groups said any re-examination should include stronger safeguards for retail investors and clearer enforcement powers for regulators.

Ethics experts noted that parliaments routinely take technical input from outside parties but said equal access and record-keeping are needed to avoid the appearance that a single company shaped the outcome. Tusk’s office said a re-vote should follow publication of meeting records and sworn testimony from Zondacrypto executives and relevant parliamentary staff.

Poland has been working to align its rules with broader European efforts to regulate crypto activity, including measures to prevent illicit finance while supporting digital finance. Drafts circulated before the controversy included licensing requirements for trading platforms, stricter know-your-customer checks and reporting obligations for large transactions.

If the Sejm agrees to a re-vote, the parliamentary timetable for passing the law will be delayed and implementation deadlines could move back, a prospect that concerns businesses preparing to comply. Investigative steps requested by lawmakers include publication of meeting logs, internal communications between Zondacrypto and legislative staff, and testimony under oath. Parliamentary legal advisors will review whether any procedural rules were breached during drafting, and the outcome of those inquiries will determine whether further amendments on lobbying disclosure and MP recusal are introduced.