On a grassroots campaign, various groups in Krakow are collecting signatures to support candidates for the reformed National Justice Council, particularly favoring conservative judges.
In Krakow, clubs affiliated with "Gazeta Polska" and local churches have embarked on a campaign to gather signatures in support of candidates for the National Justice Council (KRS). This initiative is part of a broader effort led by media personalities such as Tomasz Sakiewicz and organizations like Radio Maryja. There is a particular emphasis on nominating judges who align with patriotic and Catholic values, reflecting the ongoing politicization of the judiciary in Poland.
With the current term of the neo-KRS set to expire in May 2026, the composition of the council—consisting of 15 judges—will be determined by the Polish parliament (Sejm). The ruling coalition, led by the Law and Justice party (PiS), promises to incorporate the views of the judiciary in the selection process to mitigate concerns about political influence. Candidates for the KRS must secure endorsements from at least 25 judges or 2,000 citizens by the deadline of March 12, 2026, highlighting the competitive nature of the nomination process.
The upcoming elections for the KRS are particularly significant, as they will determine the future of judicial independence in Poland. Alongside those endorsed by traditional judicial associations advocating for rule of law, conservative and government-supported candidates are also expected to emerge. This clash between differing judicial philosophies underscores the tensions in Poland's battle for the integrity of its judicial system amid allegations of political interference.
