Former anti-communist activist Andrzej Czuma as Poland's new justice minister is a good choice, writes Newsweek.
Press reviewed by Krystyna Kolosowska
Newsweek Polska writes the recent spectacular resignation of Poland’s justice minister, following the third prison suicide of a member of a gang involved in a high profile kidnap and murder case, marks the biggest crisis in the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk so far. It is also a proof of the premier’s political and PR skills. Tusk realized that the suicidal death of the third man involved in the murder of Krzysztof Olewnik, a wealthy businessman’s son, was bound to cause public outrage and create an impression that the state is helpless in dealing with criminals. He had to take a decision showing that he understands this public mood. Commenting on the appointment of former anti-communist opposition activist, lawyer Andrzej Czuma as the new justice minister, Newsweek calls it an optimum decision. He is not a man linked with law associations, nor is he a typical politician with close party links. Czuma is known for his independent thinking and is not likely to let his party tell him what to do. On the other hand, it will be difficult for the opposition Law and Justice party to criticize him because of his heroic past. That was Newsweek.
Wprost writes the new justice minister is a man of many virtues: he is a man of principle for whom justice is not a populist slogan nor does he regard morality as an empty word. He has one major drawback though, the weekly writes tongue-in-cheek: he is too honest. This, as a late popular Polish columnist used to say, disqualifies him as a politician. But may be this time, this saying will be proved wrong. In a related article, discussing the badly bungled probe into the 2001 kidnapping and murder, two years later, of Krzysztof Olewnik, Wprost says the Polish authorities should seek the help of Scotland Yard in resolving the case. Rather than appointing more special groups, comprising policemen and prosecutors, the case should be examined from a wholly different point of view. The very fact that three of the convicted kidnappers committed suicide in monitored prison cells, is something extraordinary on a world scale. Therefore, foreign investigators should be hired. Foreign help is necessary, because Polish investigators have not been able to explain scandalous errors made during the probe. The fact that five years after the murder criminals convicted in this connection die one by one shows that the case is far from closed. The latest death in prison of Robert Pazik, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment, provokes many questions. A few days before he committed suicide, he was visited in prison by his brother. May be someone, who is still at large, was very intent on silencing those who know something once and for all, says Wprost.
Polityka says that Eastern Partnership is Poland’s first meaningful contribution to the treasure box of EU ideas. Poland first presented it in May 2008. It was accepted by Brussels. In December 2008, despite the global financial and economic crisis, the EC firmly supported the Partnership and promised to increase outlays on this project. The European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso stressed that greater security and stability in the East will bring mutual benefits, both to Europe and to countries covered by the Partnership scheme. A special EU summit is to be held in the spring to adopt a political declaration, which will officially launch the Eastern Partnership. Polityka says that Poland should not rest on the laurels. It should invest itself in it, rather than basing on EU funds alone. It comes up with an idea of a force similar to the US Peace Corps. Young volunteers are sure to be found in Poland if the government or civic organizations find means and establish cooperation with Ukraine or Georgia, for example.
Tygodnik Powszechny writes about a mass grave of some 2,000 German civilians found accidentally during construction work in the centre of Malbork, northern Poland, which was East Prussia before World War II. This region paid the highest price for the war started by the Germans themselves– half a million people, mainly the weakest – women, children, the elderly – died, also as a result of murders committed by the Red Army or in prisoner camps set up by it. The weekly warns that there may be many more such graves on Polish territory and its is necessary to work out rules of conduct in such situations, so that the bodies are exhumed with dignity.
And Przekroj reports that a Polish yachtswoman, Natasza Caban, who has been sailing around the world single-handed, interrupted her journey and flew from Cape Town to Poland for two weeks to promote a charity scheme focusing on handicapped people. In the spring, one of them, a fourteen year old, who is dreaming of sailing around the world, will join Natasza on her yacht.