Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Nawrocki rebuked Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek’s proposed rule‑of‑law bill, accusing it of paving the way for political manipulation of the judiciary.
Draft of the Rule‑of‑Law Bill
The bill proposes dividing judges into three groups: the “green” group will comprise approximately 1,100 young judges who remain in their current posts; the “yellow” group will consist of judges promoted by the neo‑KRS within two years, who may return to prior positions and be eligible for contests; the “red” group will include judges ineligible to sit on the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Administrative Court, as well as prosecutors and lawyers trained for judicial roles.
The act also seeks to maintain the validity of decisions issued by these “neosędziów” but allows case resumption under special circumstances; it proposes the abolition of the extraordinary appeal and the Control and Public Affairs Chamber of the Supreme Court, while the Professional Responsibility Chamber is to be reformed.
Nawrocki’s Rejection of the Bill
Nawrocki stated that the minister’s proposals would be analyzed by the President’s office, yet recent ministerial actions show a lack of willingness to discuss the bill with the president. He described the bill as “an ostentational act of lawlessness” that would enable manual steering of judges to suit political demands.
Minister Żurek Defends the Proposal
Żurek said the bill restores proper functioning of the judiciary, complies with the constitution and EU law, and addresses deficiencies highlighted by European courts. He highlighted that new provisions would prevent the contestation of decisions by “neosędziów” and eliminate potential liability costs for Poland.
Planned Process and Approval
The 88‑page draft is set to be submitted to the Cabinet next week; Żurek expressed hope for presidential endorsement and urged careful review of the bill’s provisions, labeling it as having a truly compromise character.
