He was twice elected to the post by the members of the Assembly, serving two five-year terms of office, and headed a 90-strong multi-national secretariat based in Strasbourg, France.

Presenting his candidacy to PACE members in 2010, he said: “Being from Poland – a country which was cut off from most of Europe by the Iron Curtain and where, for years, I participated actively in the democratic opposition movement – I know the true value and real meaning of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

I know how important it is for Europe to be united in defence of these principles.”[1] In line with the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, the Secretary General ensures the proper functioning of PACE and the fulfilment of its mandate.

He heads a secretariat of around 90 staff which assists the Assembly’s members – including its President – to carry out their work, and ensures the proper conduct of parliamentary proceedings.

Combining political acumen, administrative ability, impartiality and personal integrity, he also upholds its unique role as a driving force within the Council of Europe.

In June 1996, Wojciech Sawicki left Poland to take up his duties at the Council of Europe as Director (Deputy Clerk) and Head of the General Services Department of the Parliamentary Assembly.