Clashes between protesters and police occurred outside the court building in Warsaw
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the events near the Constitutional Tribunal as a new stage in the erosion of the rule of law. The head of government blamed the escalating political crisis on President Karol Nawrocki, former President Andrzej Duda, and the Law and Justice (PiS) party. This was reported by Ukrinform, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The head of the Polish government addressed the citizens following the incidents that unfolded at the headquarters of the constitutional oversight body. He emphasized that a democratic state must demonstrate strength and cannot yield to lawlessness or coercive pressure.
The Prime Minister assured that police officers acted with restraint and determination, ensuring the protection of the Constitutional Tribunal and its judges from attacks. According to him, the executive branch guarantees the institution’s safety and will provide all necessary conditions for its continued, uninterrupted operation.
Blocking the work of the judiciary
The head of the cabinet recalled that the governing coalition, along with the parliamentary majority, had attempted to find a legislative compromise to restore the full functionality of the Constitutional Tribunal. However, previous proposals for joint regulatory solutions were entirely blocked by the political force of Jaroslaw Kaczynski and the heads of state.
Following the expiration of the terms of judges appointed under the previous administration, the Sejm elected new representatives to the institution. Despite the fact that the new members took their official oaths, the President refused to accept them from some, and the President of the Tribunal, Bogdan Swieczkowski, prevented the appointees from working. When the judges decided to commence their official duties, they faced physical pressure.
The politician compared such actions to a situation where a robber complains about violence after someone attempts to retrieve a stolen item. “On certain issues, there can be no compromise. Shouting, lies, and brawls cannot be a source of law in Poland, and they will not be,” Tusk emphasized.
Disinformation and clashes outside the court
The Prime Minister specifically emphasized the inadmissibility of situations where politicians, or even the President, attempt to pressure the judicial branch and intimidate institution staff. He also noted that opponents of the law are supported by disinformation campaigns, including the activity of pro-Russian forces and bot networks.
The situation in the country intensified after reports emerged regarding the temporary suspension of Constitutional Tribunal President Bogdan Swieczkowski and his deputy Bartosz Sochanski. Leadership passed to Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, whose legitimacy the current President refused to recognize.
Protests took place outside the court building, escalating into clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Polish President Karol Nawrocki characterized the suspension of the body’s head as a forceful takeover of the institution and a direct violation of the state’s constitutional order.
Photo: Kancelaria Prezesa Rady Ministrów
