Close Menu
  • English
  • Top Stories
    • News
    • Culture
    • Economy
    • Lifestyle
    • World
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Science
    • Sports
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Illustration of a 71-year-old Chinese grandmother competing in a fitness contest and a math prodigy launching a social media account. Image generated by AI.
“China’s Fitness Grandma Breaks the Internet”: Math Prodigy, Viral Icons, and 3 More Stories You Won’t Believe Are Real
Illustration of Earth's ongoing warming due to climate inertia and sea-level rise. Image generated by AI.
“It’s the End of an Era… the Damage Is Done”: Scientists Warn Earth Will Keep Heating Even Without Greenhouse Gases
Illustration of the domestication of pigs in ancient China. Image generated by AI.
“Pigs Were Pets in Ancient China”: Stunning Study Reveals These Animals Were Domesticated Over 7,000 Years Ago
Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
Visegrád Post
Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
newsletter
  • Featured
  • News
    Illustration of the U.S. Air Force's hypersonic ARRW missile soaring at high speeds. Image generated by AI.

    “He’s Back Sooner Than Expected”: Hypersonic ARRW Missile Resurfaces With Shocking Speed and Global Power Shift Potential

    June 22, 2025 at 6:07 AM
    Illustration of France's defense industry transformation with a Rafale fighter plane symbolizing technological advancements. Image generated by AI.

    “France Prepares for Conflict”: This Military Powerhouse Gears Up for War with New Strategies and Advanced Weaponry

    June 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
    Illustration of France's refusal to loosen arms export regulations within Europe. Image generated by AI.

    “France Draws a Red Line”: This Bold Rejection of Eased European Arms Rules Sparks Diplomatic Shockwaves Across NATO

    June 21, 2025 at 9:10 AM
    Illustration of Huawei's expulsion from SolarPower Europe amid an EU bribery investigation. Image generated by AI.

    “EU Solar Industry in Shock”: Huawei Expelled from Key Association, Raising Alarms Across This Critical $123 Billion Sector

    June 21, 2025 at 6:59 AM
    Illustration of the UK Royal Navy expansion with new ships and advanced technology. Image generated by AI.

    “Ready for War”: This Bold UK Naval Expansion Puts 5,000 Extra Troops and 6 New Destroyers on High Alert Now

    June 21, 2025 at 5:51 AM
  • Culture
    Illustration of a Viking woman and her loyal dog in a 1,100-year-old boat grave. Image generated by AI.

    “1,100-Year-Old Boat Grave” Unearthed: This Astonishing Discovery Reveals Loyal Dog Buried With Viking Woman, Shocking Archaeologists Worldwide in 5-Foot-Long Find

    June 18, 2025 at 8:55 AM
    Illustration of Boston Dynamics' Spot robots performing a dance routine on America’s Got Talent stage. Image generated by AI.

    “Robot Dogs Steal the Show”: These Dancing Machines Just Lit Up America’s Got Talent Stage With Moves That Left Judges Speechless

    June 16, 2025 at 9:47 AM
    Illustration of murals in a Tang Dynasty tomb depicting daily life and a Western figure. Image generated by AI.

    “Archaeologists Stunned by Discovery”: This Unexpected Find in Ancient Chinese Tomb Changes Everything We Knew About History

    May 23, 2025 at 2:03 PM
    Illustration of an ancient ceremonial temple unearthed beneath the sands of Peru. Image generated by AI.

    Lost Temple Emerges from Desert Sands: This Astonishing Discovery Could Solve a Major Historical Mystery and Rewrite History Forever

    May 23, 2025 at 12:54 PM
    Illustration of Juracanthocephalus daohugouensis, a prehistoric parasite with jaws, found preserved in an ancient lake. Image generated by AI.

    “Jurassic Nightmare Unleashed”: This Ancient Parasite Had Jaws and Lurked in Dinosaur Guts, Unveiling a Prehistoric Horror

    May 23, 2025 at 12:03 PM
  • Eco
    Illustration of the surge in gold prices amid geopolitical tensions and the debate over cryptocurrencies as alternatives. Image generated by AI.

    “Crypto Is No Match for Gold”: This Startling Declaration from World Gold Council Chief Shakes Investors to Their Core

    June 22, 2025 at 7:13 AM
    Illustration of Chinese exporters using domestic letters of credit to pivot to the home market amidst trade tensions. Image generated by AI.

    “China’s Exporters Aren’t Backing Down”: Letters of Credit Fuel Domestic Market Surge as Global Trade War Escalates

    June 21, 2025 at 6:08 PM
    Illustration of a monumental oil discovery in a previously unexplored location. Image generated by AI.

    “Game-Changing Oil Discovery”: Nearly 500 Million Barrels Unearthed in Previously Untouched Area Sends Shockwaves Through Energy Sector

    June 21, 2025 at 5:08 PM
    Illustration of Germany's opposition to France's proposal to tax American tech giants amidst EU-US trade tensions. Image generated by AI.

    “Germany Defies France’s Bold Move”: Fierce Clash Over US Big Tech Taxation Sparks Renewed Tariff War Tensions

    June 21, 2025 at 8:12 AM
    Illustration of Germany's asparagus season with white and green asparagus. Image generated by AI.

    “White Gold Is Draining Us”: Germany’s Lithium Addiction Sparks Price Surge and Fierce Global Competition

    June 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
  • Lifestyle
    Illustration of a 71-year-old Chinese grandmother competing in a fitness contest and a math prodigy launching a social media account. Image generated by AI.

    “China’s Fitness Grandma Breaks the Internet”: Math Prodigy, Viral Icons, and 3 More Stories You Won’t Believe Are Real

    June 22, 2025 at 9:46 AM
    Illustration of a serene Hong Kong apartment interior featuring rich timber hues and a cozy atmosphere. Image generated by AI.

    Wood Is the New Gold: Discover How This Natural Material Is Revolutionizing Hong Kong Homes with Quiet Luxury Appeal

    June 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM
    Illustration of using lemons as a natural cleaning agent for ovens. Image generated by AI.

    “This Oven Lemon Trick Is Pure Genius”: The Astonishing Cleaning Hack That’s Revolutionizing Kitchens and Making Everyone Want to Try It Now

    May 27, 2025 at 10:03 PM
    Illustration of Mark Zuckerberg's luxurious superyacht journey to Norway for a heliskiing adventure. Image generated by AI.

    “Zuckerberg’s 3,300-Mile Yacht Adventure”: Billionaire’s Lavish Helicopter Ride Up Snowy Mountain in Ultra-Luxury Skiing Extravaganza

    May 25, 2025 at 10:49 AM
    Illustration of Charmin's innovative wavy perforation design on toilet paper. Image generated by AI.

    “This Changes How You Poop Forever”: Astonishing Toilet Paper Innovation Set to Transform Daily Hygiene for Billions Worldwide with Unmatched Cleanliness and Comfort

    May 23, 2025 at 6:27 PM
  • World
    Illustration of a small French commune dealing with the impact of a thorium discovery and international resource negotiations. Image generated by AI.

    “France Misses Out as China Strikes Deal”: Tiny Cantal Town Discovers Thorium While Chinese Firm Holds Rights, Leaving Locals Empty-Handed

    June 19, 2025 at 4:58 PM
    Illustration of U.S. aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS George Washington facing off against China in the Pacific. Image generated by AI.

    “U.S. Aircraft Carriers Face Off Against China”: Tensions Skyrocket in Pacific as Experts Warn of Escalating Danger

    June 19, 2025 at 4:05 PM
    Illustration of China's Containerized Sea Defense Combat System disguised as a shipping container. Image generated by AI.

    China’s Secret Weapon Revealed: These Hidden Container Missiles Pose Immediate Threat to US National Security

    June 18, 2025 at 6:09 PM
    Illustration of the G7 summit overshadowed by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Image generated by AI.

    “Trump Demands Immediate Evacuation”: Tehran on Edge as G7 Delivers Dire Warning Against Nuclear Threat to Global Peace

    June 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
    Illustration of China's rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal and its impact on global security. Image generated by AI.

    China Surpasses America and Russia: This Alarming Report Reveals Surging Nuclear Warheads in Just 12 Months, Raising Global Tensions

    June 18, 2025 at 10:09 AM
  • Green
    Illustration of Earth's ongoing warming due to climate inertia and sea-level rise. Image generated by AI.

    “It’s the End of an Era… the Damage Is Done”: Scientists Warn Earth Will Keep Heating Even Without Greenhouse Gases

    June 22, 2025 at 8:57 AM
    Illustration of Hong Kong testing alternatives to single-use plastics in restaurants. Image generated by AI.

    “Dine Plastic-Free in 60 Days”: Hong Kong Restaurants Revolt Against Plastic Waste with Radical Trials Sparking Global Curiosity

    June 19, 2025 at 8:59 AM
    Illustration of the transformation of plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel using sunlight. Image generated by AI.

    “Turning Plastic into Power”: South Korea’s Shocking Breakthrough Converts Bottles to Hydrogen with Solar Energy, Igniting Global Curiosity

    June 15, 2025 at 3:50 PM
    Illustration of the environmental impact of AI-driven data centers on global electricity demand. Image generated by AI.

    “UN Sounds the Alarm”: AI Explosion Triggers Shocking 150% Spike in Hidden Emissions at Big Tech Titans Like Never Before

    June 15, 2025 at 6:12 AM
    Illustration of a machine transforming ambient air into clean gasoline. Image generated by AI.

    “Miracle Device Turns Air Into Gasoline”: Discover This Groundbreaking Machine Set to Revolutionize the $3 Trillion Fuel Industry Forever

    June 14, 2025 at 6:10 PM
  • Health
    Illustration of TikTok's impact on teen mental health and misinformation spread. Image generated by AI.

    “Hidden Peril on TikTok Exposed”: Experts Reveal a Destructive Danger Lurking for Teenagers on the Popular Platform

    June 11, 2025 at 4:54 PM
    Illustration of AI-driven robots enhancing patient care at a Taiwanese hospital. Image generated by AI.

    “Robot Dogs Patrol Hospital Wards”: Taiwan Deploys Humanoid Helpers in Bold Move to Revolutionize Patient Care Operations

    June 6, 2025 at 7:52 AM
    Illustration of the faint light emitted by human cells due to Ultraweak Photon Emission. Image generated by AI.

    “Humans Glow in the Dark”: This Astonishing Phenomenon May Fade Forever When We Die, Revealing a Stunning Secret

    May 23, 2025 at 1:56 PM
    Illustration of the link between infant sleep patterns and autism spectrum disorder. Image generated by AI.

    “Babies’ Sleep Holds Shocking Clues”: This New Discovery Links Infant Sleep Patterns to Autism, Changing Everything We Knew

    May 23, 2025 at 12:54 PM
    Illustration of microplastics infiltrating human organs and their potential impact on health. Image generated by AI.

    “Microplastics Are a Health Time Bomb”: This Alarming Pollution Crisis Could Endanger Millions with Invisible Threats Lurking in Every Corner

    May 23, 2025 at 11:20 AM
  • Science
    Illustration of the domestication of pigs in ancient China. Image generated by AI.

    “Pigs Were Pets in Ancient China”: Stunning Study Reveals These Animals Were Domesticated Over 7,000 Years Ago

    June 22, 2025 at 7:46 AM
    Illustration of AI models developing humanlike cognitive processes. Image generated by AI.

    “AI Thinks Like Humans”: Chinese Scientists Unveil Groundbreaking Discovery That Shakes Global Perception of Machine Intelligence

    June 21, 2025 at 3:50 PM
    Illustration of the BINGO radio telescope in the Brazilian hinterlands. Image generated by AI.

    “All Eyes on the Cosmos”: China and Brazil Launch Groundbreaking Radio Telescope to Unravel the Secrets of Dark Energy

    June 20, 2025 at 5:07 PM
    Illustration of a new carbide ceramic capable of withstanding extreme temperatures in aerospace applications. Image generated by AI.

    “China Breaks Heat Barrier”: Stunning Success as Revolutionary Shield Shatters 1,800°F Limit in Hypersonic Flight Test

    June 20, 2025 at 4:09 PM
    Illustration of a Chinese satellite transmitting data to Earth using a laser. Image generated by AI.

    “Blazing Fast Chinese Satellite”: This Astonishing Feat Outpaces Starlink by 5 Times Using a Laser from 22,369 Miles Up

    June 19, 2025 at 6:53 AM
  • Sports
    Illustration of Wunderbar triumphantly crossing the finish line at Sha Tin. Image generated by AI.

    “Wunderbar Stuns Rivals”: Astounding Comeback as Racing Star Dominates 6-Furlong Class Two Victory at Sha Tin, Reigniting Fans’ Passion

    June 20, 2025 at 6:46 AM
    Illustration of a paraglider caught in a cloud suck ascending to a high altitude. Image generated by AI.

    “Dragged to 28,000 Feet”: Paraglider Survives Terrifying Cloud Suck Ordeal That Nearly Ended in Instant Death

    June 7, 2025 at 10:12 AM
  • English
Visegrád Post

Poland soon to be without an Ombudsman?

Gabriel CruzGabriel CruzFebruary 24, 2021 at 10:04 AM11
Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Follow Us
Google News
Share
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Copy Link

As the political crisis deepens due to the fight between the ruling Conservatives of the PiS and the Liberal opposition, Poland might soon have no more ombudsman.

Poland – On February 18, the Polish Senate rejected the candidacy of Professor Piotr Wawrzyk for the post of Ombudsman, the head of the country’s national human rights institution. It happened for good reason. The PiS-led United Right coalition holds only 48 of the 100 seats in the upper house. Piotr Wawrzyk had been Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the government of Mateusz Morawiecki since 2018. Although he had been a member of the PSL agrarian party for a very long time, he was elected in October 2019 to the Sejm on the PiS lists. On January 21, during the vote on his candidacy in the Sejm, he had therefore obtained only the votes of the United Right coalition. As a consequence, Adam Bodnar continues to exercise his functions as the country’s Ombudsman, even though his term of office ended in September 2020.

“We sincerely believed that Professor Wawrzyk would be appointed,” PiS spokesman Radosław Fogiel said the day after the vote in the Senate. He took the opportunity to castigate the opposition for its supposed irresponsibility, but did not wish to comment on a remark made by the Senate vice-president, Stanisław Karczewski (PiS). In Karczewski’s view, Adam Bodnar is no longer the national Ombudsman, since according to the Constitution he was appointed for five years. Another PiS senator, Marek Pęk, stated for his part, in the face of reproaches from opposition ranks that Piotr Wawrzyk is linked to PiS and the Morawiecki government, while the Ombudsman should be a personality independent of the government and the parliamentary majority:

“Adam Bodnar, despite his apolitical appearance, was in fact an additional senator from the Civic Platform (PO) when he came to the Senate. He has been involved, in an extremely intensive and consistent manner, on the side of one political camp. ”

And it is true to say that Ombudsman Bodnar, whose statements have often been quoted by EU institutions and the media accusing PiS governments of undermining democracy and the rule of law, has been a very politically and ideologically committed player. For example, while he has never attacked the LGBT+ Declaration of the PO Mayor of Warsaw, despite some apparent contradictions between the LGBT charter and the Polish constitution (in particular regarding the right of parents to raise their children in accordance with their beliefs), he has systematically attacked the declarations adopted by other local authorities, in reaction to the Warsaw declaration, to reaffirm their rejection of LGBT ideology and their respect for freedom of expression and education.

The NGO Ordo Iuris, which brings together conservative lawyers committed to the protection of life and the family, accuses Adam Bodnar of wanting to reinterpret human rights, rather than defending the freedoms and rights guaranteed by the Polish constitution, as an Ombudsman is supposed to do. As another example, the current Ombudsman has advocated the registration in the Polish civil registry of foreign birth certificates with the names of two biological parents of the same sex. Bodnar has further called for laws allowing gender reassignment in the civil registry and recognizing civil unions of two partners of the same sex, whereas the Polish Constitution only provides for the protection of the institution of marriage as a union of a man and a woman.

In a country where abortion is strongly limited by constitutional guarantees in favor of the right to life, which has been confirmed several times by the Constitutional Tribunal (and not only with the recent ruling concerning abortion in case of disability of the unborn child),

the Ombudsman prefers to speak of “reproductive and sexual rights,” which mean nothing in the light of Polish law, but refer to the right to abortion in the language of international institutions. On the other hand, Adam Bodnar has always refused to intervene when the religious feelings of Poles, theoretically protected by law, have been derided and profaned, or when blasphemy and the desecration of symbols of the Catholic faith in the public space have become a means of political or artistic expression.

This is why Ordo Iuris proposes that the next Polish Ombudsman should give priority to the defense of the rights of families, the right to life from the moment of conception, freedom of conscience and religious freedoms, as well as freedom of expression. These are all areas neglected by Adam Bodnar, who was vice-president of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights – one of the many organizations benefiting from funding from George Soros’ OSF – before being appointed Ombudsman by a parliamentary majority led by the Civic Platform liberals a month before an electoral defeat that was already being predicted by opinion polls.

In such a context, it is difficult to understand the attitude of PiS. Prior to the failed attempt to appoint a member of the Morawiecki government to the post of Polish Ombudsman, PiS had initially abstained from presenting a candidate, simply voting against the candidacy of Zuzanna Rudzińska-Bluszcz, a lawyer proposed by opposition parties and supported by many left-leaning NGOs. Rudzińska-Bluszcz already works under the direction of Adam Bodnar and shares the same world view.

There could probably be a way to find within the opposition, particularly in the ranks of the PSL and among the few independents, the three additional senators required to approve the choice of the Sejm. For this to be possible, however, the proposed Ombudsman, although seen as holding conservative views, must not be perceived as someone with close links to the government and its parliamentary majority.

While refusing to start serious discussions with the opposition, PiS MPs have referred the matter to the Constitutional Tribunal to determine whether Adam Bodnar can continue to exercise his functions beyond his term of office. The Constitutional Tribunal is expected to consider the case in March, and Poland could then find itself without an Ombudsman.

Did you like it? 4.7/5 (26)

Follow on Google News Follow on X (Twitter)
Share. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Previous ArticleGénération Identitaire: The Fight for Europe and Against Migration
Next Article Davos-era neocommunism
Gabriel Cruz
  • X (Twitter)

Gabriel Cruz is a U.K.-based journalist at Visegrád Post, where he has reported for five years on politics, society, environmental affairs, and global developments. A graduate of City, University of London’s journalism program, he combines sharp analysis with a strong commitment to justice and sustainability. His work explores the forces shaping our era — from shifting power dynamics to planetary challenges. Contact: [email protected]

Related Posts
Illustration of the U.S. Air Force's hypersonic ARRW missile soaring at high speeds. Image generated by AI.

“He’s Back Sooner Than Expected”: Hypersonic ARRW Missile Resurfaces With Shocking Speed and Global Power Shift Potential

Illustration of France's defense industry transformation with a Rafale fighter plane symbolizing technological advancements. Image generated by AI.

“France Prepares for Conflict”: This Military Powerhouse Gears Up for War with New Strategies and Advanced Weaponry

Illustration of France's refusal to loosen arms export regulations within Europe. Image generated by AI.

“France Draws a Red Line”: This Bold Rejection of Eased European Arms Rules Sparks Diplomatic Shockwaves Across NATO

Illustration of Huawei's expulsion from SolarPower Europe amid an EU bribery investigation. Image generated by AI.

“EU Solar Industry in Shock”: Huawei Expelled from Key Association, Raising Alarms Across This Critical $123 Billion Sector

View 11 Comments
11 Comments
  1. Sebastian on February 24, 2021 9:06 AM

    Is there a backup plan if Poland ends up without an Ombudsman? 🤔

    Reply
  2. laurenhorizon on February 24, 2021 9:32 AM

    Why is Poland’s political scene always so dramatic? 😂

    Reply
  3. laurenpower on February 24, 2021 10:01 AM

    This sounds like a mess! Can someone explain why this is happening? 😕

    Reply
  4. Karim on February 24, 2021 10:29 AM

    I’m curious, what’s the role of an Ombudsman exactly?

    Reply
  5. Adriantornado0 on February 24, 2021 10:56 AM

    Thank you for shedding light on this complex political issue. 🙏

    Reply
  6. oliver on February 24, 2021 11:23 AM

    Why does the opposition reject Piotr Wawrzyk? Is it purely political?

    Reply
  7. marymaze on February 24, 2021 11:51 AM

    How will this affect Poland’s international relations?

    Reply
  8. Arnoldwizard on February 24, 2021 12:18 PM

    Not having an Ombudsman sounds like a recipe for chaos.

    Reply
  9. peter on February 24, 2021 12:45 PM

    Wow! Adam Bodnar has been in office since 2020? Isn’t that a bit too long?

    Reply
  10. Karim on February 24, 2021 1:12 PM

    I’m skeptical about the motives behind these political maneuvers. 🤨

    Reply
  11. John_memory on February 24, 2021 1:40 PM

    Who else is in the running for the Ombudsman position?

    Reply
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Illustration of a 71-year-old Chinese grandmother competing in a fitness contest and a math prodigy launching a social media account. Image generated by AI.
“China’s Fitness Grandma Breaks the Internet”: Math Prodigy, Viral Icons, and 3 More Stories You Won’t Believe Are Real
Illustration of Earth's ongoing warming due to climate inertia and sea-level rise. Image generated by AI.
“It’s the End of an Era… the Damage Is Done”: Scientists Warn Earth Will Keep Heating Even Without Greenhouse Gases
Illustration of the domestication of pigs in ancient China. Image generated by AI.
“Pigs Were Pets in Ancient China”: Stunning Study Reveals These Animals Were Domesticated Over 7,000 Years Ago
News by category
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Culture
  • Economy
  • Lifestyle
  • World
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Science
  • Sports
Information
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • The editorial team
  • Contact
  • Legal Information
  • Privacy and Cookie Policy

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
© Visegrad Post. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.