Polish Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz pressed President Duda to promptly swear in newly elected Constitutional Tribunal judges, deeming the delay excessive.
Kosiniak-Kamysz Presses President on Tribunal Delay
During a press briefing, Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz responded to questions about the newly elected judges of the Constitutional Tribunal, who had invited the President to the Sejm to take their oath. He stated that the procedure should not be prolonged, emphasizing that the law mandates the President to immediately administer the oath to newly elected judges.
Kosiniak-Kamysz asserted that the President should uphold the law.
President’s Previous Oath-Taking Confirmed Sejm’s Choice
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that by already administering the oath to two judges, the President had implicitly affirmed the validity of the Sejm’s selection process. He argued there was no justification for delaying the oath-taking of the remaining judges, stating the President’s prior action confirmed the integrity of the selection.
Partial Oath-Taking Explained by Presidential Office
President Karol Nawrocki had previously sworn in Dariusz Szostek and Magdalena Bentkowska. The Presidential Office explained that this brought the Constitutional Tribunal to its full complement of 11 judges, filling two existing vacancies during the President’s term.
Szczucki’s Remarks and Suspension from PiS
Kosiniak-Kamysz also referenced comments made by PiS MP Krzysztof Szczucki, who publicly stated that the President had no grounds to refuse to administer the oath to the newly elected Constitutional Tribunal judges. The Deputy Prime Minister suggested these words should be a significant signal to the President’s circle.
He added that this position is currently unpopular within the opposition, referencing Szczucki’s recent suspension from PiS membership due to his public statements.
Consequences of Defying the Law
When questioned about the potential consequences if the President refuses to swear in the remaining judges, Kosiniak-Kamysz stated it would be the President’s problem, not his, as he advocates for adherence to existing laws. He warned that defying the law would result in political and public repercussions.
Wider Crisis in the Justice System
The Deputy Prime Minister argued that the issue surrounding the oath-taking of Constitutional Tribunal judges is merely a symptom of a broader crisis within the justice system. He announced that PSL intends to present its own proposals for system reform, potentially by the end of the week or early next week. He emphasized the need for a “constitutional reset” to resolve the situation.