The Sejm of the Republic of Poland selected six new judges for the Constitutional Tribunal and passed a bill to abolish the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA). Simultaneously, it adopted a reform of family law, which from 2027 will allow divorces to be finalized in civil registry offices.

Selection of Constitutional Tribunal judges

The Sejm filled six vacancies in the Constitutional Tribunal with candidates nominated by the Sejm's Presidium, rejecting proposals from the Law and Justice (PiS) party.

Abolition of the CBA

A bill dissolving the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau was passed, provoking fierce opposition and a promised reaction from the president.

Divorces in registry offices

From 2027, uncontested marriages will be able to obtain a divorce in a civil registry office instead of in court.

Government-president dispute

The Minister of Justice appeals to President Karol Nawrocki to swear in the judges, warning of constitutional violations.

On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland selected six new judges for the Constitutional Tribunal, filling vacancies with candidates nominated by the Sejm's Presidium. The body now includes Dr. Krystian Markiewicz, Prof. Maciej Taborowski, Marcin Dziurda, Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, Dariusz Szostek, and Magdalena Bentkowska. The chamber simultaneously rejected all candidates presented by the Law and Justice (PiS) parliamentary caucus. Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek issued an official appeal to President Karol Nawrocki to immediately administer the oath to the newly selected judges. This selection aims to end the years-long dispute over the legality of the composition and functioning of the Constitutional Tribunal. Newly elected Constitutional Tribunal judges: 1. Krystian Markiewicz (judge); 2. Maciej Taborowski (professor); 3. Marcin Dziurda (lawyer); 4. Anna Korwin-Piotrowska (judge); 5. Dariusz Szostek (lawyer); 6. Magdalena Bentkowska (lawyer)

During the same session, MPs voted to pass the bill abolishing the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA), fulfilling the government's pledge for a thorough reform of the special services. This decision provoked fierce opposition, which labeled the bureau's abolition as an attempt to weaken the fight against corruption and a form of political retaliation for the past actions of its officers. According to media reports, President Karol Nawrocki has already prepared a response to this legislative initiative, which may suggest referring the provisions for constitutional review or applying a presidential veto. PiS representatives argue that the CBA is a key element of the state security system and that its dissolution serves the interests of individuals suspected of financial abuses. The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau was established in 2006 as a specialized service to combat corruption in public and economic life. Over its two decades of existence, the bureau has repeatedly been the subject of political disputes concerning the scope of its powers, operational methods, and the alleged political subordination of its leadership.

The third key element of Friday's proceedings was the adoption of provisions introducing the possibility of obtaining a divorce in a civil registry office, aiming to relieve the burden on the common court system. The new law, which will come into force in 2027, will allow spouses to dissolve their marriage outside a courtroom, provided both parties consent and do not have minor children. This reform has garnered significant public interest as a step towards simplifying administrative procedures in uncontested cases. However, opponents of the changes point to the risk of weakening the durability of the institution of marriage by making the administrative path too easily accessible. 2027 (year) — entry into force of divorces in registry offices Key decisions of the Sejm on March 13, 2026: March 13, 2026 — Selection of Constitutional Tribunal judges; March 13, 2026 — Abolition of the CBA; March 13, 2026 — Divorce reforms

Mentioned People

  • Karol Nawrocki — President of the Republic of Poland since August 6, 2025, historian, former head of the Institute of National Remembrance.
  • Waldemar Żurek — Minister of Justice in the government of Donald Tusk.
  • Krystian Markiewicz — Judge, newly elected Constitutional Tribunal judge, former chairman of the codification commission for the judiciary and prosecution system.
  • Maciej Taborowski — Professor of law, newly elected judge of the Constitutional Tribunal.
  • Marcin Dziurda — Professor of law, newly elected judge of the Constitutional Tribunal.
  • Anna Korwin-Piotrowska — Judge, president of the District Court in Opole, newly elected judge of the Constitutional Tribunal.
  • Dariusz Szostek — Professor of law, newly elected judge of the Constitutional Tribunal.
  • Magdalena Bentkowska — Attorney, Doctor of Law, newly elected judge of the Constitutional Tribunal.
  • Donald Tusk — Prime Minister of Poland.