Former heads of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal warn that the ruling party, PiS, is attempting to block the appointment of new judges to the tribunal.
Former presidents and vice presidents of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal have raised alarms regarding the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS)'s latest moves to block the selection of new judges. They warn that proposed legislation could give the President the authority to obstruct the swearing-in process of these judges, which they deem illegal. This situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the tribunal's independence and functionality in Poland, especially following the changes instituted by PiS since they took power in 2015.
The Constitutional Tribunal was one of the first institutions targeted by PiS after their electoral victory, marking a significant shift in Poland's judicial landscape. The party’s actions have been characterized as a systematic effort to undermine the rule of law and diminish the tribunal’s role in reviewing the legality of the laws passed by the government. The former justices argue that the current strategy threatens to plunge the nation into chaos and calls into question the political motives behind these legislative efforts.
This warning comes amid broader discussions about restoring the tribunal’s credibility and autonomy in the eyes of the Polish public. As the opposition gears up to contest these developments, the former judges are advocating for a more transparent and lawful restoration process for the Constitutional Tribunal to reclaim its position as a guardian of democracy in Poland. Their statements serve as an essential contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of judiciary independence in the country.
