Bodnar backs Sienkiewicz and the public media debate
The Minister of Justice, Adam Bodnar, endorsed the actions taken by the head of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage amid the ongoing transfer of public media to the nominees of the current parliamentary majority. The president of Ordo Iuris, Jerzy Kwaśniewski, responded to the attempt to change control of the public media and to the remarks made by the minister in charge.
Bodnar expressed his confidence in Minister Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz. He emphasized the need to regain control over the media, describing it as a fundamental issue for every Pole. He argued that the media should genuinely reflect the diverse worldview and opinions of Polish citizens, not merely serve party interests.
– he stated on Polsat News.
Bodnar’s defense of Sienkiewicz
Minister Bodnar addressed the plan for the media takeover, noting that it was pursued under the provisions of the Civil Code and commercial law framework used in corporate governance matters.
Such a scenario naturally raises questions. It invites consideration of alternative approaches, and it implies that different photos or footage might accompany different strategies. The minister suggested that this institution holds strategic importance for the political identity of the governing party, and that the outcome could be a move aimed at reassuring the public by appointing leaders who align with the citizens’ expectations of a public broadcaster.
– he remarked, reflecting on the broader implications for the nation.
To his knowledge, Sienkiewicz consulted with respected practitioners and reviewed legal opinions from leading experts who argued that certain actions could be permissible. Bodnar noted that the case would be decided by the registration court, which would render an appropriate determination.
– he added.
It is worth recalling a recent statement by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights about the situation in Polish public media. The HFHR cautioned that the changes introduced by the previous government raised serious legal questions and concerns about how the media is governed.
The context remains highly specific. Telewizja Polska has faced accusations of influencing past presidential and current parliamentary elections and of engaging in activities perceived as harmful to various social groups, including LGBT+ people, judges, and prosecutors. The question arises whether the person who effectively manages or supervises public television, the minister responsible for culture and national heritage, should approve such further measures.
– Bodnar commented.
Notably, in 2016 Bodnar opposed the appointment of media heads by the minister, a position that reflected his long-standing stance on media independence.
Ordo Iuris action
In response to the Ministry of Culture’s actions regarding the public media and to the minister of justice’s remarks, Jerzy Kwaśniewski, president of the Ordo Iuris Institute, spoke. He announced a formal request to the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage to provide materials used by the previous government in this matter.
Kwaśniewski explained his approach on social media, calling for access to public information and for the release of opinions from eminent experts, contracts prepared for their work, and notes or minutes from meetings with them. He asserted that the ministry should be held civilly liable for any damage to the public broadcaster.
– he wrote on the X platform.
Context: the situation has drawn reactions from various quarters. Some observers stress the importance of safeguarding media independence, while others emphasize safeguarding the political process and institutional checks and balances. The debate continues as legal and civic actors assess the validity and consequences of the actions taken by different branches of government.