In a determined effort to reverse rule of law breaches carried out under the previous government, Poland’s newly appointed Justice Minister, Adam Bodnar, is spearheading a series of reforms. A former human rights ombudsman and law professor, Bodnar assumed office last Wednesday, vowing to navigate the legal minefield left by the Law and Justice (PiS) party during its eight-year rule.
Upon his first day in office, Minister Bodnar symbolically returned European Union flags to his workspace, emphasizing the commitment to cooperation with Brussels. Additionally, he signed a motion for Poland to join the European public prosecutor’s office, signaling the country’s dedication to restoring the rule of law.
In his inaugural print interview, Minister Bodnar expressed his commitment to repairing the damage inflicted on Poland’s judicial system by the previous administration. One of his initial actions was the cancellation of the politically appointed regional court “presidents,” demonstrating a departure from the previous government’s practices.
Bodnar, acknowledging the challenges ahead, emphasized the importance of creative thinking and careful legal maneuvering to navigate the complex situation. He aims to involve the judicial community in the selection process, contrasting it with the previous government’s unilateral appointments.
However, the road to comprehensive reforms faces hurdles, as President Andrzej Duda, allied with the PiS, retains veto power until 2025. Despite hopes for collaboration, Duda has expressed disapproval of the new government’s initiatives, creating a potential roadblock for legislative changes.
Minister Bodnar remains optimistic, suggesting that with time, Duda may become more open to collaboration, potentially considering future international opportunities. Nonetheless, the current standoff continues, with Duda criticizing recent decisions by the new government, including the dismissal of state media heads.
The new government’s commitment to media freedom, while criticized as hypocritical by some, has faced scrutiny for potentially using legal loopholes. Minister Bodnar stressed the importance of staying within legal boundaries while delivering on the government’s priorities.
Regarding the justice ministry, Bodnar outlined his priorities for the first year, including introducing a new law for the National Council of Judiciary and conducting reparative work on the constitutional court, both of which suffered erosion under PiS rule.
Addressing the possibility of pursuing criminal cases against the previous government, Bodnar emphasized the importance of accountability. Rejecting talks of amnesty, he highlighted ongoing efforts to audit various funds in the justice ministry, including those related to the controversial spyware Pegasus.
As Minister Bodnar charts a course for legal reforms, Poland watches closely, anticipating a restoration of the rule of law and accountability for past transgressions.