President Karol Nawrocki has appointed Zbigniew Kapiński as First President of the Supreme Court, a decision that has drawn criticism from within Law and Justice (PiS) circles due to Kapiński’s past rulings.
Kaczyński’s Dissenting View
Jarosław Kaczyński confirmed that he held a different opinion regarding the appointment than the President. While acknowledging the President’s authority as the ultimate decision-maker, the PiS leader maintained that he personally disagreed with the choice.
Regarding his current relationship with Karol Nawrocki, Kaczyński noted that he had not spoken with the President in a long time, describing the head of state as “strongly distanced.”
Denial of Institutional Conflict
Kaczyński downplayed suggestions of a rift between his party and the Presidential Palace. He argued that there are more significant national issues to address than internal disagreements over specific nominations.
Controversy Over Past Rulings
The nomination of Kapiński faced scrutiny due to his involvement in the 2000 lustration trial of Lech Wałęsa, which ruled that the former president was not a communist-era secret agent. Critics, including Kaczyński and Sławomir Cenckiewicz, had previously voiced strong opposition to the selection.
Outgoing First President Małgorzata Manowska defended Kapiński, noting that the 2000 verdict was based on the evidence available at the time, long before subsequent IPN archives were disclosed.
Background of the Nominee
Before his elevation, Zbigniew Kapiński led the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court. He is categorized by judicial critics as a “neo-judge,” having been appointed upon the recommendation of the newly formed National Council of the Judiciary, whose independence remains a point of contention.
