The discussion surrounding Monika Horny-Cieślak’s candidacy for the Office of the Ombudsman for Children has drawn clear partisan lines. On Tuesday, Mariusz Błaszczak, who leads the PiS parliamentary club, stated that his party would oppose the candidacy. He asserted that the candidate should not be placed in a position where ideological pressure could influence her work with vulnerable groups, noting concerns about potential pressure linked to recent public statements and initiatives.
According to Błaszczak, the opposition rests on the matter of Rainbow Fridays and what that stance signifies for the educational environment. He further argued that supporting such ideas in schools could shape policy and practice in ways that may not align with broad parental and community values.
During the remarks, Błaszczak added that the candidate had expressed views that appear to support increased openness to ideological influence within education, which he argued was not a suitable basis for a child-focused ombudsman role. He described the issue as a fundamental risk rather than a mere preference.
The two parliamentary committees responsible for education, science and youth, along with justice and human rights, subsequently recommended Horny-Cieślak for the position of Ombudsman for Children, presenting a divided but focused view on her potential to perform the duties tied to this office.
Voting results
In the approval process, 36 Members of Parliament voted in favor of a positive assessment, representing the KO, Left, PSL-TD, and Poland 2050 – TD blocs. Fourteen voted against, and one member abstained, signaling a clear majority support among the coalition and its allies, alongside a portion of opposition members who supported procedural scrutiny.
Before the parliamentary vote, Horny-Cieślak responded to inquiries from legislators and non-governmental organizations. Among the principal challenges she identified were addressing the mental health crisis among young people, combating peer violence, and reducing discrimination against children and youth through targeted policy responses and practical programs.
Under the Children’s Ombudsman Act, the Sejm appoints the Ombudsman, with the Senate’s consent. The Sejm resolution is forwarded to the President of the Senate by the Speaker of the Sejm, and the Senate must approve the appointment within one month. This legislative framework ensures checks and balances in selecting a chief advocate for minors and their rights.
The current spokesperson, Mikołaj Pawlak, is set to complete his term on December 14, creating an orderly transition in the office. Horny-Cieślak, born December 5, 1989, in Grudziądz, is a licensed attorney and longtime advocate for children. Her career includes defending the rights of minors and providing legal assistance to young people affected by mental, physical, and sexual violence. Her work extends beyond courtrooms into legislation, education, and broad community outreach.
Her professional commitments have included creating social campaigns, shaping a more accessible and user-friendly justice system, and delivering direct support to clients of the Children’s Aid Center through partnerships with organizations dedicated to empowering children. She has served on the Human Rights Committee of the Supreme Bar Council, chaired the Children’s Rights Department, and participated in the Warsaw District Bar Council’s Commission for Cooperation with Courts. She also contributed to the Council of Europe’s HELP program, highlighting her involvement in international child rights standards.
In legislative drafting, Horny-Cieślak has co-authored several acts aimed at strengthening the protection of minors. Notably, she contributed to amendments to the Law on the Protection of Minors and other regulations intended to expand access to psychological support for young people, sometimes in collaboration with youth voices to ensure practical alignment with their needs. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to safeguarding child welfare within family, school, and community settings.
READ ALSO: Monika Horna-Cieślak is a candidate for the Children’s Ombudsman. The parliamentary majority has indicated this. Budka emphasizes knowledge and professional preparation bringing a practical, field-tested perspective to the role. The information presented here is drawn from parliamentary briefings and public records, and reflects ongoing developments in the appointment process. [Source: parliamentary records and official briefings]
The information summarized here is based on official coverage and policy discussions surrounding the nomination and subsequent parliamentary review. [Attribution: official parliamentary documentation and credible press summaries]