Adam Bodnar, a law professor and former human rights ombudsman, was elected to Poland's upper house of parliament in the October election and became justice minister last week, part of a new government led by prime minister Donald Tusk.
On Bodnar's first day, he returned European Union flags to his office and other parts of the building, where they once again stand alongside Polish national flags. He also signed a motion for Poland to join the European public prosecutor's office, an independent body that has been joined by 22 of 27 member states.
"We wanted to show Brussels that we are of good faith and we are really going to bring the recovery of the rule of law in Poland," said Bodnar.
His ministry is key to the new government's plans to reverse the damage done to Poland's judicial system during eight years of rule by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, which led to a sustained clash with the EU and the freezing of tens of billions of euros of funds earmarked for Poland.
Already in his first week, Bodnar has cancelled the appointment of six regional court "presidents", selected by his predecessor, Zbigniew Ziobro, just before leaving office and considered to be political appointees.
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