The Polish parliament has adopted a key resolution concerning the selection of judges to the National Council of the Judiciary, sparking a wave of controversy and sharp political clashes. Justice Minister Dariusz Żurek announced the readiness of a draft bill on the Supreme Court and the implementation of alternative reform scenarios, while the current KRS has challenged the new regulations before the Constitutional Tribunal. The situation is further inflamed by personal legal disputes and the publication of a list of candidates by the 'Iustitia' association.

Sejm Resolution on KRS

A document defining the rules for electing new judge-members of the Council was adopted, sparking a dispute over the legal force of resolutions versus statutes.

Announcement of 'Plan C'

The Justice Minister announced the existence of alternative reform scenarios in case of legislative blockage by the president.

KRS Goes to the Tribunal

The current National Council of the Judiciary has challenged the regulations on elections for the new Council, seeing them as a violation of the Constitution.

Iustitia's List of Candidates

The judges' association presented 15 names of persons recommended to sit on the new composition of the body.

The situation in the Polish justice system has entered a critical phase following the Sejm's vote on a resolution concerning the procedure for selecting judges to the National Council of the Judiciary. This decision has provoked fierce resistance from the opposition, with unprecedented accusations being made in the plenary hall. Justice Minister Dariusz Żurek declared that the ministry has a ready draft bill on the Supreme Court and a so-called 'Plan C' to prevent a system paralysis in case of a presidential veto. The minister emphasized that the state must demonstrate effectiveness in restoring the rule of law, which some commentators interpreted as a hint at forceful solutions. Since 2018, Poland has been grappling with a deep crisis surrounding the status of judges appointed with the involvement of the National Council of the Judiciary reformed by the previous parliamentary majority.Parallel to the legislative actions, the 'Iustitia' judges' association published a list of 15 candidates recommended for the new Council. This move followed almost immediately after the Sejm vote, indicating a high level of coordination between judicial circles and the government. Meanwhile, the incumbent KRS has filed a motion with the Constitutional Tribunal, challenging the constitutionality of the new electoral mechanisms. The situation is further complicated by the process of selecting the First President of the Supreme Court, where five candidates have already been shortlisted, with the final decision resting with the president. 70% — of Poles demand an end to the dispute over the courts Tension has also shifted to the personal and procedural level. Attorney Bartosz Lewandowski announced he would file a private indictment against Minister Żurek in connection with his public statements. Meanwhile, opposition politicians, including Zbigniew Ziobro and Mariusz Błaszczak, sharply criticized the ministry's actions, calling the minister's methods 'Chekist'. Despite this polarization, the latest public opinion polls indicate immense public fatigue with the conflict. Citizens expect stabilization of the legal system, fearing that continued fighting over institutions will translate into chaos in common courts and lengthen waiting times for verdicts. „He knows he will not be able to block plan B. The state must be effective.” — Dariusz Żurek

Mentioned People

  • Dariusz Żurek — Justice Minister announcing reforms and alternative legislative plans.
  • Zbigniew Ziobro — Former Justice Minister, opposition leader criticizing the current ministry's actions.
  • Bartosz Lewandowski — Attorney announcing a lawsuit against Minister Żurek.
  • Mariusz Błaszczak — Chairman of the PiS parliamentary club, criticizing the reform.