New Justice Minister Vows to Uphold Rule of Law, Warns Against Intimidation of Judiciary
Warsaw, Poland – In his first public address as taking office, Poland’s new Minister of Justice, Waldemar Żurek, outlined a clear vision for his tenure, emphasizing a commitment to restoring a law-abiding state and fiercely protecting the independence of the judiciary. Speaking to journalists on Thursday afternoon, Żurek pledged regular briefings to keep the public informed of his ministry’s plans and progress.”We will meet for regular briefings so that you are regularly informed about the plans and their implementation: what the Minister of Justice intends to do, and what challenges await us,” Żurek stated, setting a tone of transparency and accountability.
The Minister began his address by paying tribute to ancient figures who fought against authoritarianism. He encouraged the public to learn about the heroes commemorated at the Ministry of Justice building,individuals who where “tormented in the basements of this building,who gave their lives for Poland’s freedom.” Żurek highlighted their struggle against both German fascism and later, Stalinism, positioning them as enduring models.
“That is why this symbolic laying of flowers is a tribute to those heroes who are a model for us,” he explained. “Because authoritarianism today also takes various forms in Europe. It is indeed not that democracy is given to us once and for all; we have to fight for it, we must cultivate it.”
Expressing deep concern over the perceived threats to democracy, Żurek declared his unwavering dedication to restoring the rule of law and adhering to the principles of the “Tri-Holy Trinity,” with a particular focus on upholding the constitution and all international treaties binding Poland.He adopted a pragmatic approach to his intentions, stating, “I do not want to talk about intentions today, because ‘you will know them after the deeds.'”
A meaningful portion of his address was dedicated to a stern warning directed at politicians who engage in intimidating rhetoric towards autonomous judges and prosecutors. “I would like to warn those politicians who in their statements threaten an independant judge, independent prosecutors and try to intimidate them,” Żurek asserted.He noted the current absence of the National Council of the Judiciary to provide constitutional protection for such individuals and vowed to react with “all firmness” to any such attempts.
“That is why I appeal to those who are trying to direct such threats: thay will not be released by amphibian,” he concluded, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for any actions that undermine the integrity of the Polish justice system.
