President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed the law concerning the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS), which was passed by the Sejm on January 23. He described the law as a 'poorly drafted legal mishmash' that was pushed through the Sejm in an extraordinary manner, drawing widespread criticism. Nawrocki's decision indicates his desire to entrench the judicial system previously established by the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), and he has expressed no intention of reforming the KRS's selection process.

In his veto statement, President Nawrocki presented his own proposal aimed at restoring the right to a court and ensuring cases are heard without undue delay, but it does not address any reforms regarding the KRS. This move is seen as an effort to limit the independence of the judiciary further and prevent any solid defense of the rule of law standards in Poland. Nawrocki's stance may close the door on meaningful judicial reforms that many in the opposition and civil society have been advocating for.

As part of his strategy, President Nawrocki has announced that if his new legislative proposal is not adopted, he will call for a referendum to seek public approval on his judicial reforms. Under Polish law, he can do this with the agreement of the Senate, provided that the agreement is made by an absolute majority in the presence of at least half of the statutory number of senators. The political maneuvering around the KRS and judicial reforms is critical as the four-year term of judges comes to an end on May 12, creating an urgent situation that could impact judicial independence in Poland significantly.