On October 9, Polish right‑wing leader Jarosław Kaczyński delivered a scathing speech at a law‑and‑justice conference, declaring that Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek will face a lengthy prison term for his alleged illegal judicial appointments.
Conference Context
The press conference on 9 October followed Saturday’s rally protesting illegal migration and opposing a Mercosur trade deal. The event served as a backdrop for Kaczyński’s remarks on the state of Poland’s judiciary.
Kaczyński’s Critique of the Justice Minister
During the address, Kaczyński singled out Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek, accusing him of “brutally breaking the law” in the appointment of judges. He warned that Żurek would have to “rest for a very long time” in state penitentiaries.
Proposed “Rule‑of‑Law” Bill
The prosecutor general unveiled a draft “rule‑of‑law” Act that aims to restore confidence in judicial appointments. The bill specifically targets the group of newly formed “neo‑judges” and seeks to ensure that judges are appointed in full accordance with legal procedures.
Safeguards for Judicial Appointments
According to the draft, judges who completed the National School of Judiciary and served as referendaries or assistants would become irrevocable appointments. These judges would be removed from eligibility for the National Council of the Judiciary, and measures would be introduced to allow previously invalidated verdicts to be contested only by parties who had consistently challenged the judge’s legality.
Impact on Supreme Court Proceedings
The bill also bars neo‑judges from sitting in the Supreme Court and proposes that prosecutors return to the prosecutor’s office. It abolishes the Special Control and Public Affairs Chamber and maintains the force of decisions issued by improperly appointed judges, albeit with limited revisability.
