Demonstrations and counter-protests occurred outside Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal as newly appointed judges took their oaths in the Sejm, sparking accusations of a power grab.
Protests and Accusations Outside the Tribunal
Demonstrators exchanged accusations and insults, according to RMFFM, carrying banners with anti-government slogans such as “Stop Tusk’s Lawlessness” and “Tusk – a Symbol of Anti-Polonism.” They also chanted “usurper judges.”
Approximately sixty police officers were present, separating the two groups and controlling access to the Constitutional Tribunal building.
Key Figures at the Protest
Participants in the anti-government protest included members of the “Gazeta Polska” club and the Border Defense Movement, led by right-wing activist Robert Bąkiewicz, according to Radio ZET. Bąkiewicz was also present at the demonstration.
Claims of a State Takeover
Robert Bąkiewicz stated that “a progressive action to destroy the Polish state” was underway, calling it “another coup d’état.” He warned that Poles must defend their homeland or it will be “torn apart by thieves, bandits and traitors,” adding that the Third Republic of Poland was effectively ceasing to exist.
PiS Files Complaint Regarding Oath-Taking
Following the swearing-in of two judges – Dariusz Szostek and Magdalena Bentkowska – in the Sejm by Karol Nawrocki, the Law and Justice (PiS) party filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office. Four additional newly elected judges – Krystian Markiewicz, Maciej Taborowski, Marcin Dziurda, and Anna Korwin-Piotrowska – have not yet taken their oaths before the President.
PiS Alleges Legal Violation
PiS argues that the Sejm Speaker has no authority to administer the oath to Constitutional Tribunal judges. Mariusz Błaszczak, head of the PiS parliamentary club, stated that existing Polish law was violated.
Kaczyński Condemns the Proceedings
Jarosław Kaczyński, PiS leader, described the day as “another black day” under the current government. He asserted that the newly sworn-in judges would be unable to take their vows before Nawrocki, and their credibility as Constitutional Tribunal judges had been “reduced to zero,” suggesting they had committed crimes.
