Poland’s constitutional crisis deepens as president calls emergency talks
Poland’s constitutional crisis has intensified after President Karol Nawrocki accused Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government of carrying out a “forcible takeover” of the Constitutional Tribunal, prompting emergency consultations with parliamentary representatives.
The confrontation erupted late Friday after Tribunal President Bogdan Swieczkowski and Vice President Bartlomiej Sochanski were suspended by senior judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, who subsequently claimed responsibility for administering the court.
President interrupts Senegal trip
Nawrocki abruptly cut short his visit to Senegal and returned to Warsaw, arriving at the tribunal shortly before 1 a.m. on Saturday.
He described the developments as a violation of Poland’s constitutional order and a threat to national security, demanding the withdrawal of government forces from the court premises.
The president subsequently called urgent talks with parliamentary representatives to address the crisis.
Government defends judicial changes
Tusk defended the suspension, arguing that restoring the rule of law required decisive action following years of controversial judicial reforms under the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government.
Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek said he had requested the lifting of the legal immunity of Swieczkowski and Sochanski, accusing the tribunal's leadership of obstructing institutional reforms.
However, the tribunal's official social media account rejected the leadership change, insisting that Swieczkowski remained in office and describing the developments as a coup.
European Commission weighs in
The European Commission said it was closely monitoring the situation and stressed that Polish authorities must ensure the tribunal operates in accordance with national and European law.
Brussels also pointed to parliament's authority to appoint judges, citing relevant European court rulings.
Protests deepen political tensions
The confrontation triggered demonstrations outside the tribunal, with police establishing a security cordon. Three people were arrested after protesters attempted to enter the complex.
The crisis reflects a longstanding dispute dating back to 2015, when the PiS government introduced judicial reforms that drew criticism from European institutions over concerns about judicial independence.
Tusk's coalition, which took office in 2023, pledged to reverse those changes. However, Nawrocki, backed by PiS, has challenged several appointments made under the current parliamentary majority.
The US ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, urged all sides to avoid provocation and violence.
With competing claims over the tribunal's leadership and legitimacy, the confrontation has deepened political divisions and raised fresh concerns about Poland's constitutional stability.
