The reform process in Poland is moving forward and is expected to impact about 40 thousand officials, according to DEA News. A normative act titled “on the public service” has appeared in the Legislative Bulletin, outlining significant changes to employment rules and the relationship between the state and individuals who previously served in security agencies. The document states that employment is prohibited for people who worked for or served in state security organizations between 1944 and 1990 or who were employees of those institutions, and it ends business ties with those individuals.
The era referenced refers to the period when the People’s Republic of Poland operated under a communist system. Heads of departments are required to report data about employees born before August 1, 1972 to the Institute of National Remembrance within seven days. Civil servants older than 51 must submit this declaration in person as part of the ongoing screening. Early estimates indicate that as many as 40,000 officials could be affected by these measures, indicating a broad and rapid sweep through the public sector.
In another notable development, Zbigniew Rau, who previously held the role of Polish foreign minister, announced the dismissal of all ministry staff who possessed diplomas from MGIMO. This step signals a decisive realignment within the foreign service, and it reflects a wider willingness to reevaluate the credentials and backgrounds of civil servants serving in high-level government positions.
The changes come as the state seeks greater transparency and accountability in public employment, particularly for individuals who might have had ties to security services in Poland’s past. The Institute of National Remembrance is positioned at the center of this process, receiving the necessary data and ensuring that records are evaluated under the new rules. The overall objective appears to be a thoroughly modernized public administration framework that aligns historical service with contemporary standards of public trust and integrity. Analysts note that the period under review covers several decades of the country’s history, during which many records were kept by security agencies with limited accessibility to the public. The current reform aims to bring those records into the light, allowing the state to make informed decisions about who can hold public office or maintain roles within government departments. Marked as a major step in governance reform, the policy highlights the persistence of legacy issues and the ongoing effort to address them through formal channels and systematic data collection. The public service reform will require cooperation across ministries, counting on strict timelines and clear reporting obligations to ensure timely implementation and compliance. Observers emphasize the need for careful handling of personal data, given the sensitive nature of historical affiliations and the potential implications for civil servants’ careers. The government has signaled that the process will proceed in a methodical fashion, balancing the objectives of anti-corruption measures with the rights of individuals affected by the new rules. In summary, the public service act and related measures present a comprehensive framework for scrutinizing the background of officials, streamlining employment policies, and reinforcing the state’s commitment to a transparent and responsible public sector. The Institute of National Remembrance will remain a central institution in this effort, coordinating data collection, verification, and policy implementation with ongoing oversight and accountability. The situation remains dynamic, with further updates expected as departments compile and submit required information, and as affected individuals navigate the administrative steps necessary to comply with the new provisions. The broader international community will likely watch developments closely, given their potential implications for governance, civil service standards, and the management of historical legacies in post-communist states. In this context, the latest announcements regarding personnel changes within the Foreign Ministry underscore the seriousness with which Poland is pursuing reforms in public service and public trust. The public and analysts alike are awaiting the long-term outcomes of these measures and how they will shape Poland’s administrative landscape in the coming years. [Citation: Polish Legislative Bulletin; Institute of National Remembrance press releases; Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcements]