Poland appoints Student Commissioner following presidential veto

Poland's Minister of National Education, Barbara Nowacka, has appointed Mikołaj Wolanin as the Commissioner for Students and Youth Policy. This move follows President Karol Nawrocki's veto of a previous bill that would have established a formal National Student Rights Ombudsman.

Nowacka stated that the appointment is intended to fulfill the ministry's commitment to student representation despite the legislative setback. Wolanin, a legal scholar, is tasked with addressing student issues across all educational stages in a role described as non-political.

In a separate related development, Nowacka has criticized President Nawrocki for vetoing provisions within the Student Rights and Obligations Act. She argued that the veto removed the legal authority to confiscate dangerous items from students, a point of contention following security concerns in schools. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also noted the current legal limitations regarding the blocking of illegal digital content following recent school incidents.