Poland Judicial Crisis: Why Was Constitutional Tribunal Chief Bogdan Swieczkowski Suspended? Protests Erupt, Riot Police Deployed

Poland Judicial Crisis: Poland finds itself in the midst of a new judicial and constitutional crisis after the police raided the offices of the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw in light of an increasing conflict involving its leadership. The conflict followed the suspension of the Tribunal President Bogdan Swieczkowski and his deputy, Bartlomiej Sochanski, for one month.

This situation sparked protests outside the court, leading to the deployment of security personnel from the police force, including the riot police, in order to protect the office building. President Karol Nawrocki also ended his visit in Senegal and returned to Poland because he found his presence important at this time of crisis.

The conflict has once again brought the ongoing disagreement between the government headed by PM Donald Tusk and the opposition PiS party regarding judicial reforms and appointments into focus.

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Why Was Constitutional Tribunal Chief Bogdan Swieczkowski Suspended?

Their suspension happened after the allegations of obstruction by both of them against judges elected by the current parliamentary majority from assuming their posts.

The suspension of the two officials occurred following the request of Justice Minister and Prosecutor General, Waldemar Zurek for their immunity to be lifted in connection with that issue. It should be noted that this conflict relates to the conflict about the structure and work of the Constitutional Tribunal.

After the suspension of the two officials, Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska stated that she will temporarily run the tribunal for a month. This decision increased the tension between the government and officials of the previous right-wing PiS administration. Politicians from the opposition accused the government of Tusk of the intention to gain control over the judiciary.