Bartosz Pilitowski: The election of judges to the KRS is not 'rocket science' but a test of the state's seriousness
Bartosz Pilitowski discusses the upcoming election of judges to the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) in Poland, emphasizing the need for clear procedures and respect for judges' will to avoid further crises in the judicial system.
Bartosz Pilitowski addresses the complexities surrounding the upcoming elections for judges to the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) in Poland, advocating for political leaders to limit their influence by committing to a resolution that respects the will of the judges. He expresses satisfaction that the ruling coalition plans to adopt such a resolution, viewing it as a positive step, but warns that the success of this initiative hinges on the clarity of procedural regulations.
Pilitowski highlights the necessity for the Sejm to make a clear declaration regarding the selection process of candidates, which must be deemed fair by the judges themselves. He notes that any deviation from these commitments may lead to another crisis within the Polish judicial system, marked by ongoing tensions between political interests and the independence of the judiciary. The discourse touches on the delicate balance between legal stipulations—the existing law from December 2017 that governs the KRS—and societal agreements regarding governance.
As the procedure unfolds, the potential implications for public trust in the judicial system and the government are significant. Pilitowski's analysis serves as a reminder that adherence to democratic principles and the genuine will of the judiciary is essential for maintaining the stability of Poland’s legal framework. This development could have lasting effects on Poland's judicial independence and the broader political landscape if the outlined conditions are not met.