Poland’s National Judicial Council (KRS) has expressed deep concern and opposition to Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek’s decision to dismiss court presidents and vice-presidents, and filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office.
Background of the Controversy
The National Judicial Council (KRS) in Poland has reacted strongly to the decision by Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek to dismiss 25 court presidents and vice-presidents, despite negative opinions from the relevant judicial collegia.
KRS’s Objections and Actions
The KRS has stated that Żurek’s decision was made “contrary to applicable laws, contrary to the positions of court bodies, and contrary to a binding Constitutional Tribunal judgment.” The council has filed a notification with the prosecutor’s office regarding the possible commission of crimes by the prosecutor general.
The KRS emphasized that the independence of courts is not a privilege of judges but a guarantee of rights and freedoms for all Polish citizens, and that any attempts at political interference threaten the foundations of democracy and the rule of law.
Context and Motivations
The dismissals were carried out despite the predominantly negative opinions of the collegia, whose members were mostly appointed by Żurek’s predecessor, Zbigniew Ziobro. A 2020 amendment, introduced during the Law and Justice (PiS) party’s rule, changed the way collegia members are selected, making them dependent on court presidents who are appointed by the justice minister.
