Ombudsman Marcin Wiącek explained in “Rozmowa Piaseckiego” the decision to dismiss his deputy Hanna Machińska. It was the result of “certain difficulties regarding cooperation with the spokeswoman, and not a substantive assessment of her work, her intervention”. He stressed that the Ombudsman is a one-person office and he must be informed about all interventions of his colleagues. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work here,” he added.
Ombudsman Marcin Wiącek fired Hanna Machińska at the beginning of December from the position of his deputy. This decision surprised many commentators and lawyers, citizens protested in front of the Commissioner’s office.
On Monday, in Rozmowie Piaseckiego, Wiącek explained his decision.
– I accept the voices of criticism, voices of opposition, I met with the state who organized the protest and I explained my reasons. I said that in no way would the ombudsman’s activities change contrary to the rumors that have been circulating. (…) I think that time will verify how these actions will be taken. I declare that nothing will change.
He said he “made this change after a year and a half” in office. I haven’t made any personnel changes in the past year and a half. It was the first such decision. It was very well thought out and concerned certain difficulties regarding cooperation with the ombudsman, not a substantive assessment of her work, her intervention, he explained.
“The point is that I am responsible for the functioning of this office. It’s a one-person office. Therefore, I consider it natural and necessary for me to be informed and aware of all interventions. Unfortunately, this element did not work here – explained Wiącek.
He noted, however, that Machińska did not carry out any intervention “that he would not sign”. – But I believe that the flow of information between the superior and the person who reports to him, i.e. the deputy spokesman, was disturbed. So I made this decision,” he added.
Main photo source: TVN24