Presidential Chief of Staff Zbigniew Bogucki on Wednesday explained President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to swear in two of six judges selected by Parliament.
Constitutional Tribunal Judge Swearing-In
Magdalena Bentkowska and Dariusz Szostek took their oaths of office on Wednesday in the presence of President Karol Nawrocki, representing two of the six judges chosen by the Sejm in March.
Procedural Concerns and Presidential Review
Zbigniew Bogucki stated that the Presidential Office is analyzing the situation of the remaining four candidates due to “serious procedural and constitutional deficiencies” allegedly committed by the parliamentary majority. No decision has been made regarding their appointments.
Clash with Justice Minister Over Presidential Authority
Justice Minister and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek criticized President Nawrocki, accusing him of “again trying to usurp power” and suggesting his decisions regarding the judges’ appointments are inappropriate. Żurek also noted a decline in the President’s approval ratings.
Parliamentary Selection Process Questioned
Bogucki responded to a journalist’s observation regarding a previous delay in appointing a Constitutional Tribunal judge after Leon Kieres’ term ended, stating those were “isolated cases.” The journalist briefly laughed at this response, prompting a pointed look from Bogucki.
Timing of Judge Selections
The Sejm selected six Constitutional Tribunal judges on March 13th. Currently, there are six vacancies within the Constitutional Tribunal, leaving it with nine judges out of a possible fifteen. Further vacancies are expected in 2026 with the end of Andrzej Zielonacki’s and Justyn Piskorski’s terms.
Ministerial Criticism and Potential Future Appointments
Żurek pointed out that the Presidential Office had previously questioned the validity of the selection of all six judges, but now deems two of them properly appointed. He speculated that the President might invite more judges for swearing-in ceremonies soon.
