Poland’s civil service has become a political tool, with each governing power reshuffling personnel and altering regulations since 2006.
A History of Political Control Over the Civil Service
Since 2006, civil service reform has resembled a political game, with each new government replacing staff and changing the rules. The choice between competitive examinations and discretionary appointments appears illusory, leaving the state without a stable, professional administration.
In 2006, the Law and Justice (PiS) party came to power and created the State Cadre Resource (PZK). Thousands of individuals meeting specific criteria were placed in the PZK, from which directors for the civil service were selected.
After two years, a coalition of Civic Platform (PO) and Polish People’s Party (PSL) took power and dissolved the PZK, giving directors time to compete for positions in the administration. In 2015, PiS returned to power and the cycle repeated, beginning with a proposed amendment to the civil service law.
The Abolition of Competitive Recruitment
On January 23, 2016, open and competitive recruitment processes were eliminated. Since then, directors have been appointed based on connections to the minister or voivode (regional governor).
The opposition criticized this move as nearly dismantling the civil service, a sentiment echoed by the European Commission.
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