The crisis over control of Poland's Supreme Court is unfolding in front of a cream-colored palace in central Warsaw, surrounded by police and protesters. The liberal government and EU supporter led by Donald Tusk is seeking to reverse changes made by the previous right-wing nationalist government, known as the Law and Justice Party (PiS), while President Karol Nawrocki is trying to keep PiS-aligned judges in power at any cost, even physically.
Efforts for Changes and Reactions
The government believes that the court needs to be restructured to restore the rule of law and align with EU standards on neutrality. In return, Nawrocki's supporters accuse Tusk of supporting a coup.
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This tension will peak on Tuesday when eight judges backed by Tusk plan to hold a meeting to approve the court's budget and review disciplinary actions against the court's president, Bodgan Szynkowski, and his deputy Bartłomiej Słowiański. To convene the meeting, they need at least 10 judges out of 15 from the court, which requires convincing at least two judges selected under the PiS regime.
Unity of Right-Wing Parties and Future Threats
The battle for control of the court has led to the unification of right-wing opposition parties ahead of next year's parliamentary elections. At a rally outside the court, protesters included Jarosław Kaczyński, one of the founders of PiS, and Grzegorz Braun, an extreme right-wing activist. Anna Bryłka, deputy head of the Confederation party, stated, "Our common goal is to end Tusk's government."
Polls show that the Civic Coalition led by Tusk is in the lead, but smaller partners may struggle to enter the next parliament, paving the way for PiS and other right-wing parties, provided their leaders can cooperate with each other.
This crisis could also mobilize Tusk's supporters, who are frustrated by the government's failure to restore the rule of law. Boris Budka, a member of the Civic Coalition, said, "This election will be vital for Poland's democracy. If a right-wing coalition comes to power, they will dismantle independent institutions and take Poland out of the European Union."
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