After more than a quarter of a century, Longina Kaczmarek says goodbye to the position of Municipal Consumer Ombudsman

After more than a quarter-century of service to the residents of Szczecin, Longina Kaczmarek, the Municipal Consumer Ombudsman, is leaving her position. At a ceremonial meeting attended by government officials, colleagues, and representatives of institutions and organizations supporting the Ombudsman, she was thanked for her many years of dedicated work.

"I will remember this office for a long time and with fondness," said Longina Kaczmarek. "I have always been met with understanding from the authorities. This is very important. Starting with the time I created the office. I have never encountered a refusal; in fact, I have received support," she said, expressing gratitude.

She also emphasized that the office's successes were due to the entire team, which always strived to approach each case individually, often exceeding the ombudsman's strict competence. However, during the ceremony, it was emphasized that it was Longina Kaczmarek who built this team from scratch.

It was in Szczecin, thanks to the involvement of the local Office of the Consumer Ombudsman, that many nationwide interventions related to violations of consumer rights were initiated.

"We're not typical bureaucrats," added Longina Kaczmarek, even mentioning interventions in personal matters, not necessarily consumer ones. She also announced that she has no intention of "sitting on the couch and doing nothing" and declared her willingness to continue helping, especially seniors.

Longina Kaczmarek served in this capacity during the terms of several city mayors. The current mayor, Piotr Krzystek, personally thanked her during Friday's ceremony for her work on behalf of Szczecin's residents.

"You are, one might say, an icon of this office," he said. "I think not only of our office. Your competences were appreciated not only in our office, not only in Szczecin, but also, I think, in Poland."

He noted that thanks to her work and commitment, many Szczecin residents have fond memories of contacts with the Consumer Ombudsman's office.

The Office of the Consumer Ombudsman currently has a team of 10 people. Longina Kaczmarek's successor is expected to be announced in a few weeks.

(cord)