The European Commission has announced its support for Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland, in confrontation with President Karol Nawrocki. This support comes amid a dispute over the powers of the Polish parliament to appoint new judges in the country's courts.
Judicial Conflict in Poland
This conflict between the Tusk government and Nawrocki revolves around efforts to reverse judicial changes implemented by the nationalist government of "Law and Justice" (PiS) between 2015 and 2023. These changes have faced severe criticism from European courts due to concerns regarding the independence of judges.
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Nawrocki, who was elected in 2025 with the support of PiS, has refused to swear in some judges of the Constitutional Court who were appointed by the current parliamentary majority. Meanwhile, the PiS-led court has prevented these judges from working.
Tusk's Response and the Position of the European Commission
Tusk stated in his speech on Saturday night that he is not willing to compromise in this dispute. He said, "In some matters, no agreement can be reached" and compared this issue to a theft where one wishes to keep half of the contents of a stolen bag.
The European Commission also emphasized in a statement that the Polish Constitutional Court must operate in accordance with the constitution and the judicial procedures of the European Union. Michal McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law, said: "This issue is important for every Polish citizen, and it is the responsibility of the Polish authorities to ensure this."
On Saturday, Tusk also attacked Nawrocki, who returned to Warsaw during a flight to Senegal and forcibly entered the Constitutional Court, threatening judges who had challenged its leadership. Tusk said: "In a country that adheres to the rule of law, a politician cannot enter a court and order or threaten judges, even if he is the president."
These developments come as Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, who presides over the court, has suspended the president and vice president of the court. Nawrocki described this action as an illegal takeover and held a meeting on Saturday with parliamentary leaders, which was boycotted by Tusk's civil coalition and his ally, the New Left.
Korwin-Piotrowska has announced that she will hold a session of the Constitutional Court judges on Tuesday, which may lead to another confrontation over the control of this court.
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