Poland’s Ministry of Justice proposes changes allowing retirement-aged judges to continue ruling, drawing opposition.
Justice Ministry Proposes Changes
The Ministry of Justice is proposing amendments to regulations that would allow judges who have reached the retirement-eligible age to continue adjudicating cases. Currently, such judges must first obtain permission from the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS).
Objections to Current Process
The KRS frequently denies these requests, citing non-merit-based arguments. Notably, one judge was denied permission to adjudicate until age 70 in 2020 after signing a letter to the OSCE that criticized the lack of independence in Poland’s Supreme Court’s Extraordinary Review and Public Affairs Chamber.
Court Support Overruled
This denial occurred despite the fact that the president of the judge’s home court had supported their application to continue working.
KRS Opposes Proposed Changes
The National Council of the Judiciary has come out against these proposed legislative changes.
