Poland's Constitutional Tribunal Crisis Escalates as Tusk Vows No Compromise

Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal remains in open dispute after a judge suspended its president and deputy on 30 October. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has refused to back down, while President Karol Nawrocki accuses the government of an unlawful takeover.

Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska announced a one-month suspension of President Bogdan Święczkowski and Vice-President Bartłomiej Sochański. She said she would assume temporary leadership. The move followed months in which Święczkowski blocked judges elected by the current parliamentary majority from sitting.

Nawrocki, elected in 2025 and allied with the previous Law and Justice government, cut short a visit to Senegal and returned to Warsaw. He forced entry to the tribunal building on the night of the announcement and denounced the action as a coup. Protesters gathered outside. Riot police secured the grounds. Three demonstrators were detained.

Tusk addressed the nation on Saturday night. He said there can be no compromise on certain matters and compared calls for reconciliation to a thief demanding to keep half a stolen handbag. He argued that the tribunal in the form left by the previous government was not a genuine court, citing European rulings. He pledged to ensure the institution functions independently and in line with the constitution.

The European Commission backed the position that parliament holds the power to appoint new judges. Commissioner Michael McGrath said the tribunal must operate according to the Polish constitution and EU case law. The Venice Commission has previously stated that appointing judges is the Sejm’s responsibility.

Nawrocki has refused to swear in five of the eight judges elected by the current majority this year. Those five, including Korwin-Piotrowska, have been unable to hear cases. Święczkowski and his deputy rejected the suspension orders. Święczkowski called the action a coup d’état.

A General Assembly of judges is scheduled for 3 November to consider the 2027 budget. Korwin-Piotrowska called the meeting. Święczkowski’s side does not recognise her authority. Under the statute the president must convene the assembly and be present for resolutions. Staff have been given days off covering that period.

The confrontation continues a decade-long battle over judicial appointments. Law and Justice filled the tribunal during its eight years in power. Tusk’s coalition won in 2023 promising to restore rule-of-law standards. Progress has been slow because of presidential veto power. Parliamentary elections are due next year.

Police remain near the building. No court has ruled on the legality of the suspension. The next flashpoint is the 3 November assembly and any attempt to lift immunity for the suspended officials. Both sides frame the dispute as a defence of the constitution. The practical effect is that the tribunal cannot function normally while the two camps dispute who controls it.