New Inter-Ministerial Team Aims to Restore the Rule of Law in Poland
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the creation of an inter-ministerial task force tasked with restoring the rule of law and constitutional order. The announcement came at the first press briefing where the ministry’s leadership was unveiled, with Adam Bodnar, the head of the Ministry of Justice and the nation’s Attorney General, outlining the team and its mandate.
Bodnar reported that the processes for appointing deputy ministers and state secretaries within the ministry had been completed. He noted that Tusk had signed the nomination acts before traveling to Brussels. Arkadiusz Myrcha, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Zuzanna Rudzińska-Bluszcz, and Maria Ejchart-Dubois were appointed as deputy ministers of justice.
The minister further stated his intention to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, a step he regards as crucial for safeguarding EU funds. He also sent a letter to human rights coordinators in Polish courts, reinforcing the standards set by the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding judicial independence.
The government published the order establishing the inter-ministerial team in Monitor Polski. The team will identify areas requiring attention, analyze issues related to restoring the rule of law, propose actions including legislative measures, monitor ongoing steps, and evaluate proposed solutions.
Upcoming tasks include offering opinions on draft government documents connected to the rule of law and carrying out other duties assigned by the Prime Minister in this policy area. The team is chaired by the Minister of Justice or a designated State Secretary or deputy from the ministry, with representatives from several ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The team will coordinate government actions to ensure a united stance, particularly in response to European Union recommendations, the Luxembourg Court case law, and rulings from the European Court of Human Rights. The aim is to present Poland’s positions clearly and consistently.
The minister emphasized that some recent positions may need adjustments, noting that several concerns raised by international tribunals were valid and should be taken into account.
Secretaries and Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Following Bodnar, new state secretaries and deputy ministers from the Ministry of Justice took the floor, outlining their visions. One deputy minister described two core missions. The first focuses on legislative and normative decisions submitted to parliament by the Ministry of Justice, with a clear call for higher quality in drafted laws and normative acts after years of problematic outputs.
The second mission centers on rebuilding the Polish Prosecution Office, which he described as heavily damaged by political influence. A priority is restoring public trust in the Public Prosecution Service so that it operates efficiently and with transparency to fulfill its critical role.
Another deputy minister highlighted the importance of repairing Poland’s relations with the European Union, stating that the country must reaffirm its commitment to the union after years of constitutional and rule of law concerns that affected its standing within Europe.
A further deputy minister stressed maintaining strong ties with EU institutions, staying informed about international developments, and strengthening the protection of civil rights and freedoms.
Maria Ejchart announced a focus on human rights as a deputy minister, explaining that her department would handle sanctions implementation and places where liberty is restricted. One immediate priority is restoring the right of detainees to communicate by telephone more than once a week.
Deputy Minister Zuzanna Rudzińska-Bluszcz described her role as supporting the rule of law and rebuilding its foundations within the Ministry of Justice. She noted that justice and the rule of law have become politicized in recent years and stressed the importance of constructive action rather than walls between factions. Her portfolio includes concerns about the most vulnerable individuals in the justice system, including children, and she intends to work closely with the new Ombudsman for Children to protect their rights and well-being.
When asked who would handle legal issues among the deputy ministers, Bodnar indicated that the appointment was still pending and that he would personally manage that area until a dedicated deputy took the helm.
Bodnar was sworn in as both justice minister and attorney general as part of Donald Tusk’s new cabinet, succeeding Zbigniew Ziobro, who led the ministry since 2015. This transition marks a new chapter for Poland’s justice system as it seeks to align more closely with European norms.
The discussion lines up with ongoing dialogues about governance, the rule of law, and the country’s place within European institutions, while signaling a commitment to reform and accountability across the justice sector.
Analysts note that these developments come amid broader debates about judicial independence, legislative quality, and the balance between national sovereignty and EU norms. The administration will likely face scrutiny over implementation and consistency with EU expectations as it navigates these complex issues in the coming months.
Further updates are expected as the inter-ministerial team begins its work, assesses legislative proposals, and issues opinions on draft policies related to the rule of law and constitutional order. The public can anticipate a roadmap that outlines concrete measures aimed at strengthening institutions, safeguarding civil rights, and restoring trust in state governance.
— initial reports and official briefings indicate a deliberate shift toward more assertive coordination between ministries to address long-standing concerns about governance and legal systems, while remaining attentive to European standards and partnerships. This approach signals a deliberate effort to unify the government’s stance in Europe and project a coherent strategy for the rule of law in Poland.
Note: This summary reflects official briefings and stated positions without referring to external sources directly within the narrative. The content is intended to provide a concise overview of recent announcements and policy directions from the government’s recent actions.