Nawrocki calls for rebuilding Constitutional Tribunal at Warsaw Independence Day rites

Central ceremony in Warsaw

President Karol Nawrocki led the central celebrations of the 108th anniversary of Poland regaining independence on Piłsudski Square in Warsaw on 11 November. The programme started after 8 in the morning, when he laid wreaths at the monument to Wincenty Witos and then at the monuments of the other Fathers of Independence. A mass for the homeland opened at 9:00 in the Temple of Divine Providence with the presidential couple present, and the president later presented state decorations. At midday the changing of the guard took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by the national anthem, a gun salute and a memorial roll call. Ten officers received general's promotions from the president, and the Chief of the General Staff was given an appointment for another term. Deputy prime minister and defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz attended the central event. According to Nasz Dziennik, the crowd chanted "Karol Nawrocki" before and during the speech.

Speech on the Constitutional Tribunal

In his address the president said the constitutional order and the Polish Constitution are untouchable, and that the organs of the state should stand above political quarrels. He argued that the prestige of the Tribunal had been thoroughly undermined in the weeks before 11 November, after a political and legal struggle over the court lasting 10 years. He addressed the guests present, including deputy prime ministers, and called on them to repair the institution. He voiced hope that within coming months or weeks the court could be restored to free citizens, serving the state and the Constitution rather than parliamentary majorities or parties.

“A free nation deserves a free Constitutional Tribunal. Free from police cordons, but also free from politicians. We can afford it.”

He stressed that Polish sovereignty and independence cannot be subjected to partisan disputes. Earlier in the speech he said the political bodies of the state should be kept clear of partisan rivalry.

“The constitutional organs of the Polish state should be placed beyond political dispute.”

Responsibility after the attack in Kraków

The president opened the speech by referring to the attack in Kraków on Saturday, 7 November. He praised nurses, doctors, city guards, firefighters and ordinary residents of Kraków who rushed to help the injured. He asked the crowd to thank these people for their courage in a national tragedy.

“Independence is a great responsibility, also for a fellow citizen, for another Pole.”

Nawrocki argued that a strong state should not be used to limit civil rights, but should guarantee security, freedom and prosperity. He framed independence as a shared duty toward every citizen. Its significance, he said, lay in Poles regaining the ability to decide on their own state in 1918.

Calls for goodwill and unity

Nawrocki asked people to celebrate around the white and red flag with goodwill and mutual respect on the streets of Warsaw and across Poland. He also recalled the mistakes that led to the fall of the First Commonwealth, citing the struggle of magnate and political elites as the path to its collapse. The Independence March was due to pass through the capital that day, and RMF24 reported that this year's march could break a turnout record.