A 24-year-old member of the Polish People’s Party (PSL) has taken on a leadership role at the Malopolska Voivodeship Office, despite her young age. Previously serving as the voivode’s assistant, she has now been promoted. What will her new responsibilities entail?
A Fast-Tracked Promotion
On Tuesday, the news portal Interia reported that Justyna Czopek, a 24-year-old activist from the Polish People’s Party, has been appointed Deputy Director of one of the key departments at the Małopolska Voivodeship Office — the Department of Security and Crisis Management. Until now, she had served as an assistant to Voivode Krzysztof Klęczar, who personally decided on her promotion.
As the new deputy head, Czopek will be responsible, among other things, for the department’s media communication. The department oversees threat analysis, crisis response planning, and coordination of emergency services. So far, according to Interia, leadership positions in this area have typically been held by individuals with extensive experience in uniformed services and field operations.
Who Made the Decision?
The change in leadership followed the retirement of the previous deputy director, Michał Jamek — a former police officer. The position is now being filled by a young graduate with a master’s degree, whom the voivode described as having an educational background in security and strong skills in modern communication methods.
In an interview with Interia, Klęczar emphasized that his goal was to strengthen the department’s public information efforts and to better reach younger generations. Interestingly — and as he himself admitted — no open recruitment process was announced. Why? Because, as he explained, “As voivode, I am responsible for implementing the Act on Civil Protection and Civil Defense, and for this task, I needed someone I fully trust.”
Czopek will be in charge of the department’s cooperation with the media and social organizations, as well as communicating actions related to the implementation of new civil protection regulations. In her previous role as the voivode’s assistant, she coordinated media relations, organized meetings, and managed the voivode’s schedule.