Tusk-Nawrocki battle escalates as chief judge is ousted from Poland’s top court
Poland's constitutional court descended into turmoil Friday as judges ousted nationalist-linked president Bogdan Święczkowski, sparking accusations of a coup and tense protests.
The standoff marks an escalation in Prime Minister Donald Tusk's struggle to undo the judicial overhaul carried out by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government. During its eight years in power, PiS filled the Constitutional Tribunal with its appointees, including Święczkowski and his deputy, placing it at the heart of Poland's confrontation with Brussels over the rule of law.
Outside the tribunal, protesters clashed with police, who said objects had been thrown at officers and three people detained after climbing over the court's fence. Police had deployed to maintain security following warnings of threats to judges and staff.
Political Reactions
PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński took part in the protest and tried to force his way into the court building. He accused Tusk of staging a 'coup' against the court and turning Poland into a 'police state,' demanding presidential intervention.
At a moment like this, the president must be in Poland.
Government Response
President Karol Nawrocki, a PiS ally and rival of Tusk, interrupted his official trip to Senegal. Tusk remained defiant, writing on X: 'Restoring the rule of law is our duty. After years of PiS lawlessness, it's a difficult, sometimes painful process that requires decisive action. There is no other way.'
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek blamed the turmoil on Święczkowski, accusing him of turning the institution into his 'private fiefdom' and preventing newly elected judges from doing their jobs. Żurek said he submitted five requests to lift the immunity of Święczkowski and his deputy, backed by 50 volumes of case files.
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