Poland’s constitutional crisis escalated after the Constitutional Tribunal announced the temporary suspension of its president, Bogdan Święczkowski, and vice-president, Bartłomiej Sochański. The move triggered a public confrontation between President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, with the dispute now set to enter another procedural stage.
Police were deployed at the court as protesters gathered in Warsaw on October 30 and 31. Nawrocki returned from Senegal and went to the court’s headquarters. He described the events as a “takeover by force” and called for police to leave, while Tusk defended the government’s actions. The Associated Press reported that police detained three people after incidents at the protest.
The dispute also concerns judges elected by the Sejm, Poland’s parliament, whose ability to take office has been contested. They were elected by lawmakers, not appointed directly by Tusk. A European Commission spokesperson said the Commission was monitoring the situation and that Polish authorities must ensure the court operates in line with the constitution and European Union law. The spokesperson said selection of the eight new members was a matter for the Sejm, according to Anadolu Agency.
Further proceedings expected this week
Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska said she would propose adding a draw for judges to a general assembly scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. The proposed draw would select judges for disciplinary panels to consider cases involving Święczkowski and Sochański. The meeting is also due to address the court’s 2027 budget, Polskie Radio reported.
The proposed disciplinary step and the assembly had not yet taken place as of November 2. The competing claims over who has authority to lead the Tribunal and how the elected judges may serve remain unresolved.
Dana Mcgee