Former Polish president Andrzej Duda sharply rebuked former Constitutional Tribunal chief Professor Andrzej Zoll after Zoll called Karol Nawrocki’s refusal to appoint 46 judges “unbelievable” and “extra‑legal.”
Duda Calls Zoll’s Criticism “Lying and Manipulating”
In a post on social media, Duda dismissed Zoll’s remarks, accusing him of repeatedly distorting the truth and manipulating constitutional norms.
Duda Clarifies Judicial Nominations as Presidential Prerogative
He stated that appointing judges is a prerogative of the President of the Republic, exercised either through a nomination act and oath or by refusing a nomination, and is not an administrative decision but an executive act.
Zoll Accuses President of Violating the Constitution
Professor Zoll said the president’s decision to refuse 46 judicial nominations was “absolutely outside the law” and that the head of state lacks the authority to single‑handedly reject judicial appointments, asserting that there is no legal basis for such action.
Nawrocki Declares He Won’t Sign Judge Nominations
In announcing his refusal, Nawrocki said he would not grant promotions to those challenging constitutional order and would only appoint judges in line with the president’s nomination and the Constitution.
