On Thursday, the Polish Ministry of Justice received a letter from President Karol Nawrocki refusing to appoint or promote 46 judges, yet the document lacked the required justification.
Lack of Justification in President’s Decision
The Ministry of Justice learned that the President’s office had sent a notice denying the appointment or promotion of 46 judges. The document was missing the required justification for the decision. The ministry pledged to take a position after reviewing the list of candidates who did not receive nominations.
Zurek Awaits the List
Earlier on Wednesday, 12 November, Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek addressed a special press conference about President Nawrocki’s decision. He stated that clear details would appear only after the ministry received the list of affected individuals along with the justification. Zurek also mentioned that about 300 candidates were in the President’s “icebox” awaiting appointment.
Dispute over Competence
Zurek argued that the presidential decree should be treated as an administrative act subject to judicial control. He emphasized that the Constitution requires cooperation between the National Council of the Judiciary and the President, with the former conducting contests and the latter nominating appointments. The President maintains that he is exercising his prerogative to refuse nominations.
Crisis Deepens
Minister Zurek warned that the refusal could further paralyse the judiciary. He noted that the government is working on legislation to reform the National Council of the Judiciary and resolve disputes over judge status. The President also stressed his intent to end the chaos in Polish justice, asserting that judges must fulfill their duties in line with presidential nominations and constitutional law.
