EU backs Sejm’s right to appoint eight judges amid Poland tribunal crisis
The European Commission said appointing eight Constitutional Tribunal members falls within the Sejm’s constitutional powers, while urging Polish authorities to ensure the court follows the constitution and EU case law. The statement came after tribunal judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska took temporary charge following the announced suspension of its president and vice-president, prompting protests and a confrontation involving President Karol Nawrocki. The dispute over the court’s leadership and the legality of the measures remains contested.
Bottom line — The Commission cited a May 2026 European Court of Human Rights measure protecting judges appointed by the Sejm from being blocked from their duties.
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The Commission also pointed to an October opinion by the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission backing the Sejm’s authority to make the appointments, according to Euronews.
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The European Court of Human Rights’ interim measure concerned judges appointed by the Sejm in March 2026; it did not settle the wider dispute over the tribunal’s leadership, Euronews reported.
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President Karol Nawrocki returned from a trip to Senegal and called the events a violation of Poland’s constitutional order, Anadolu reported.
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Prime Minister Donald Tusk said restoring the rule of law was his responsibility; the opposition accused his government of attempting a coup, according to Euronews.
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The Guardian reported that the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights questioned the legal basis for the temporary suspension.