In recent days, media reports have suggested that the institution of the Small and Medium Business Ombudsman (SMB Ombudsman) could be abolished and replaced with a new body. In response to these reports, the SMB Ombudsman issued an official statement firmly denying these speculations. He underlines that the planned reform does not mean the dissolution of the office but its evolution – expanding its competencies and strengthening the protection of entrepreneurs’ rights. The changes are expected to include, among others, more significant influence on the legislative process and new powers in the area of control and protection of businesses. The full text of the statement is below.
Statement of the Small and Medium Business Ombudsman
In relation to the emerging media reports about the planned changes concerning the Small and Medium Business Ombudsman, I would like to emphasize that the proposal to transform this institution into an Ombudsman for Entrepreneurs’ Rights does not mean the dissolution of the current office or the establishment of a new institution, but the extension of the current Ombudsman’s competencies.
Since 2018, the SMB Ombudsman has actively supported Polish entrepreneurs, intervening in their cases, evaluating legal acts, and ensuring equal treatment of entrepreneurs in relationships with the state administration. Over more than five years of operation, the Ombudsman institution has proven its effectiveness and necessity for the Polish economy. The effects of these actions are measurable: hundreds of interventions, support in legal disputes and a real impact on the shape of business regulations.
The planned change is a result of the perceived need for even better protection of entrepreneurs’ interests, especially in areas that have revealed themselves as significant in recent years. Therefore, the Ombudsman’s scope of activities will be expanded, including new competencies such as the ability to suspend supervision in case of irregularities, broader procedural rights in matters concerning entrepreneurs’ rights, or more substantial influence on the legislative process.
I want to unequivocally debunk the narrative suggesting that the current Small and Medium Business Ombudsman is a redundant institution and should be replaced by a new body. On the contrary – the proposed changes are a natural continuation of the mission conducted since 2018 and proof that further evolution of this office is needed in response to real economic challenges.
It’s worth noting that although the Ombudsman is appointed by the Prime Minister (on the request of the Minister responsible for the economy), the law gives him full guarantees of independence. The Ombudsman is an independent and apolitical guarding entrepreneurs’ rights. The proposed change in the SMB Ombudsman Act by the Ministry of Development and Technology in no way limits this independence and apolitical nature.
I appeal to the general public and the economic environment to treat this change as a step towards stronger protection of entrepreneurs’ rights, not the abolition of the existing institution. The Small and Medium Business Ombudsman remains committed to Polish businesses and will continue its activities on an even larger scale.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/rzecznik-msp-planowane-zmiany-to-rozszerzenie-kompetencji-a-nie-likwidacja-urzedu-83575
