Storm on the Internet
A Polish politician, Arkadiusz Myrcha, a member of the Civic Coalition and Deputy Minister of Justice, faced a surge of online scrutiny after a copy of his PhD dissertation circulated widely. Some readers described the work as a 170-page bachelor’s project with little analytical depth or scholarly contribution. One commentator summed up the mood, suggesting that dissertations of this kind are not up to Polish academic standards and that more is expected from public figures who hold high office.
Myrcha defended his PhD at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw in April. His supervisor was Prof. Marek Chmaj, a respected figure with ties to the Civic Platform. The dissertation carried the title Legislative Procedures.
Journalists and online readers urged a careful look beyond public life to the academic work itself. Public records tied to the procedure are accessible, inviting informed scrutiny from critics and citizens alike.
A user on X commented that attention should not stop at personal space but should consider the scholarly work on its own merits.
The online reaction intensified as the title itself seemed to signal a problem. Critics argued that the text reads more like an undergraduate project expanded to 170 pages, lacking substantive analysis or genuine scholarly engagement. One observer even compared the work unfavorably to the standards seen elsewhere in the academic world.
Several established voices joined the discussion. A professor from the Academy of Justice pointed out that much of the text appears closely aligned with existing legal provisions, with only minor wording changes. The critique centers on how legal and judicial language can mask a lack of original argument.
Another commentator noted that the title raises questions about how the research question is framed, sparking debates about the expectations attached to dissertations written by public figures and the responsibilities that come with such visibility.
A journalist reflected that the episode revived a sense of nostalgia for stricter academic standards and highlighted the pressures students face when balancing demanding schedules with rigorous scholarship.
The online discussion extended to opinions from political figures. A member of the ruling party recalled his own experience defending a master’s thesis and suggested that the aim should be to produce original, thoughtful work, even under heavy commitments. The conversation underscored how public life can test public tolerance for academic quality and accountability in the broader landscape of governance.
Some readers argued that the challenging circumstances surrounding Myrcha, including housing logistics and a lengthy daily commute to the capital, may have limited time for research. The debate shifted toward how personal life realities influence academic output and how such records should be interpreted in public discourse.