Ombudsman's report on the effects of the pandemic. What was done wrong?

• Pandemic laws were prepared in a hurry, without a sufficient assessment of their compliance with the Constitution
• The disadvantages of such legislation are confirmed by the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court - now it is necessary to eliminate its effects and prepare the state for possible similar challenges in the future
• In view of the deepening problems of the health care system in the pandemic, there should be a debate - beyond political divisions - over its thorough reform
• The state at that time did not meet the needs of entrepreneurs, taxpayers and consumers. It is essential to eliminate legal uncertainty through proper legislation
• Restoring citizens' trust in law-making bodies is one of the key tasks of public authorities.

- Our study mainly concerns the activities of the Human Rights Defender - in connection with complaints from citizens, media reports and the investigation of ex officio cases - during the first three waves of the pandemic - explains Marcin Wiącek. We are currently facing the fourth wave. But fundamental problems in the functioning of the state, legislation, organization of health care, business and administrative services have not been resolved. The expected change also did not take place when it comes to the sometimes disordered manner of responding to particular threats and problems, especially uncoordinated actions at the state and local government level.

The report covers five sections:

Administration

• restrictions on the freedoms and rights of an individual introduced by ordinances of the Minister of Health and the Council of Ministers,

• administrative penalties,

• quarantine,

• EU digital COVID certificates.

Healthcare

• functioning of covid care,

• the functioning of non-covid care.

• COVID-19 vaccination program.

Entrepreneurs

• restrictions and prohibitions on conducting business activity,

• financial support for entrepreneurs.

Tax law

• imprecise tax legislation in the time of a pandemic,

• increasing the powers of tax authorities,

• taxpayers' problems.

Consumer rights .

More: HERE

Source: RPO