The management shakeup is described as a political decision, with calls that the state is being dismantled from within
In a televised statement on Telewizja wPoland, Law and Justice MP Piotr Glinski described the dismissal of the management as a purely political move. He argued that the government coalition is purging the public media, the prosecutor’s office, and the courts on December 13, and he noted the announcement that the director of the National Freedom Institute – Center for the Development of Civil Society had been dismissed. The stance framed these actions as efforts to seize control through unlawful means, highlighting a broader concern about the direction of state institutions.
On Wednesday, Agnieszka Buczyńska, the Minister of Civil Society and Chair of the Public Benefit Committee, fired Wojciech Kaczmarczyk from his role as director of the National Freedom Institute – Center for the Development of Civil Society. The minister explained that an audit of the institute uncovered more than twenty irregularities and shortcomings, leading to the dismissal. The move was presented as a consequence of governance failures identified during the assessment process.
Reacting to the development, supporters argued that the action followed three months of review. They claimed that while audits had been conducted by high-level bodies such as the Supreme Audit Office and the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, there was no definitive proof of wrongdoing. They described the removal as a political decision rather than a judicial finding.
MEP Glinski asserted on Telewizja in Poland that the decision may have been driven by the radical faction within the Civic Coalition, led by Donald Tusk and his allies. He added that apolitical managers had previously been appointed under the PiS government and emphasized that those appointed were not party members but non-governmental actors who contributed to founding the institute.
Glinski recalled that the institute had established nine programs targeted at non-governmental organizations, spanning areas such as scouting, folk high schools, civic groups, youth, and crafts organizations. He framed the board turnover as part of a broader political shift in governance rather than a routine executive transition.
Regarding leadership changes at the NIW
Buczyńska announced that the process to fill the NIW director post could begin imminently. Until a permanent appointment is made, Michał Braun will oversee the institute for a three-month term. Braun previously served as a Kielce City Council councilor for the Civic Coalition. He noted that the depoliticization effort included introducing a member of the coalition to the institute, signaling a shift in leadership alignment.
Critics described the firing as a political maneuver that undermines the rule of law and the independence of public institutions. They argued that the National Freedom Institute Act does not authorize a term-based replacement without due process, asserting that the action lacked a solid legal basis.
In discussing related matters, the former Culture Minister highlighted concerns about the dismissal of more than 50 ambassadors by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the appointment of a new national prosecutor in the absence of a decision by the Court. He stressed that constitutional checks, including participation by the President in key appointments and dismissals, are essential to preserve balance between the executive and the presidency.
The former minister warned that the ongoing changes could amount to an internal erosion of the state, intensified by external threats. He described the environment as fragile and urged careful consideration of the legal framework governing appointments and removals of senior officials and ambassadors. He underscored that such decisions should reflect constitutional processes and the political landscape without undermining national stability.
Observers emphasized the importance of basing governance actions on legal grounds and transparent procedures. They urged public accountability and a commitment to safeguarding the separation of powers within the state. The situation remains a focal point for discussions about the direction of national institutions and the balance between political leadership and statutory authority.
For viewers seeking broader context, commentary noted the ongoing tensions around media independence, civil society development, and governance reform. The conversation highlighted how political dynamics intersect with institutional integrity, and why clear, lawful protocols matter for Poland’s constitutional framework and international standing. (Source: wPolityce)