On Friday, Minister Marta Cienkowska announced the dismissal of Krzysztof Ruchniewicz as head of the Pilecki Institute, citing unmet duties and appointing Karol Madaj as his successor.
Ministerial Dismissal of Krzysztof Ruchniewicz
During a Friday briefing, Minister of Culture and National Heritage Marta Cienkowska declared that Krzysztof Ruchniewicz would no longer serve as director of the Pilecki Institute.
Reasoning Behind the Decision
In her statement, Cienkowska cited Ruchniewicz’s failure to ensure the institute’s statutory functioning, unclear program objectives, flawed communication policy, and unsound managerial decisions as the primary causes for dismissal.
New Director Appointed
The minister announced that Karol Madaj would take over as the institute’s director. He has previously worked with the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and the Polish History Museum.
Whistleblower Claims Questioned
Minister Cienkowska addressed statements that Hanna Radziejowska had been a whistleblower, asserting that she was not granted whistleblower status by the Ministry and therefore could not claim that protection.
Claims of Misconduct in Berlin Office
Hanna Radziejowska, formerly head of the Berlin branch, had reported alleged misconduct at the institute to Minister Cienkowska. It was later revealed that Ruchniewicz had been granted access to her full correspondence, and he also dismissed her deputy, Mateusz Fałkowski.
Internal Investigation Launched
The Pilecki Institute stated that its leadership is conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Radziejowska’s dismissal and related complaints being submitted to the Ministry of Culture and the Polish ambassador in Berlin.
Source: Gazeta, **Category:** 30
