Sylwia Gregorczyk‑Abram named Poland's Ombudsman for Citizens' Rights

Sylwia Gregorczyk‑Abram was elected by the Polish Sejm on 17 July 2026 and confirmed by the Senate to become the new Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich (Ombudsman for Citizens' Rights). She will replace Marcin Wiącek, whose five‑year term ended on 23 July. The appointment grants her a statutory salary, the amount of which was disclosed in the announcement.

The Ombudsman is a constitutional body tasked with safeguarding individuals’ rights and freedoms, monitoring the actions of public administration, courts, prisons, and other institutions. Gregorczyk‑Abram pledged to act independently of political parties, emphasizing the office’s mandate to protect citizens rather than serve any particular political agenda. She also noted her activist background and expressed readiness to address issues ranging from judicial delays to discrimination and access to healthcare.

Her inauguration marks a key leadership change in Poland’s human‑rights oversight institution, with expectations that the office will continue to intervene in systemic problems and bring complaints before national and European courts.