Demonstrators gathered outside the Constitutional Court of Poland in Warsaw since Friday evening, accusing the center-left government led by Donald Tusk of undermining the constitution and the judiciary. The protests began following the announcement of a one-month suspension of the court's president, Budzan Szewczykowski, and his vice president.
Suspension of Court Officials
According to the Constitutional Court, Anna Korwin-Piotrowska will serve as the acting president during this period. Warsaw police responded to a report from a judge regarding potential threats to the safety of judges and staff.
Tusk's Support for New Decisions
Budzan Szewczykowski is one of the judges appointed by the right-wing Law and Justice Party (PiS) and has been in office during the party's rule from 2015 to 2023. Donald Tusk supported this action in a post on social media platform X, stating, "Restoring the rule of law is our duty." He also mentioned that this process has been difficult and sometimes painful, requiring decisive action.
After the 2023 parliamentary elections, Tusk's center-left coalition announced that it would reverse the controversial PiS government reforms in the judiciary. Meanwhile, a large number of riot police were deployed near the court to counter protests from PiS supporters. Some protesters shouted "Tusk the Traitor" and described the government's action as a "coup."
Presidential Consultations
Meanwhile, President Karol Nowacki began consultations with political representatives. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz was the first to arrive at the presidential palace, emphasizing the importance of national security, respect for democracy, and public order.
Recent clashes between the two major political camps in Poland over control of the Constitutional Court have created a complex situation. The PiS party has appointed judges who are recognized as political allies, changing the composition of the court. The European Court of Justice has also concluded that the Constitutional Court cannot be recognized as an independent and impartial body.
In recent months, President Nowacki has refrained from swearing in five judges appointed by the parliament. These judges took their oaths in parliament instead of the court, but the court president, Budzan Szewczykowski, has prevented them from entering the court building.
