The National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) in Poland is facing a potential change in its selection process following a new amendment passed by the Sejm on January 23. This amendment proposes that judges, rather than the current members of the parliament, will be responsible for electing members of the KRS, allowing a broader pool of candidates, including so-called 'neo-judges'. The direct and secret elections for the KRS are intended to be organized by the National Electoral Commission, thereby shifting the dynamics of judicial appointments in Poland.

Currently, the amendment sits unsigned on President Karol Nawrocki's desk, with Speaker Czarzasty warning that if the amendment is not signed by tomorrow, February 11, he will have to initiate the election process based on existing regulations. This is crucial as the term of the current judicial members ends on May 12, indicating a pressing timeline for the KRS elections. Czarzasty noted his responsibility to act within the law, expressing reservations about the existing regulations but underscoring the necessity to proceed to maintain the functionality of the KRS.

This situation reflects ongoing tensions in Polish politics concerning the judiciary and the separation of powers. Czarzasty's insistence on moving forward with a potentially imperfect legal framework highlights the urgency and complexities involved in judicial reforms in Poland, particularly amid criticism from the European Union regarding the independence of the judiciary. The outcome of this situation will likely have significant implications for the Polish legal system and its perception domestically and internationally.