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.
Esta historia es de la edición December 22, 2023 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 22, 2023 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
What is Rachel Reeves planning?
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career
