The International Statistical Institute (ISI) and the American Statistical Association (ASA) have raised concerns regarding the recent dismissal of Dominik Rozkrut as President of Statistics Poland (Główny Urząd Statystyczny - GUS). In a joint letter addressed to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the organisations emphasised the vital role of professional independence in maintaining the credibility and trustworthiness of official statistics.
The letter, dated 26 December 2024, highlights the importance of statistical institutions as cornerstones of evidence-based decision-making in democratic societies. The ISI and ASA warned that any threats to the independence of statistical leaders could erode public trust and undermine the integrity of official data.
In view of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025, the organisations stressed the need for a transparent selection process for a new GUS head. They urged the appointment of a qualified professional capable of safeguarding the institution from undue political influence, ensuring continued confidence in the nation’s statistics.
This appeal underscores the significance of upholding European values and international standards in official statistics, particularly as Poland prepares to assume a prominent role on the European stage.
For further information, you can access the ISI’s Declaration of Professional Ethics and the United Nations’ Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
