Polish President Karol Nawrocki accuses Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek of undermining constitutional authority by rejecting 46 judge nominations.
Nawrocki Responds to Żurek’s Allegations
In a statement posted online, President Nawrocki criticized Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek for rejecting the president’s nominations of 46 judges, arguing that such a refusal undermines the constitution’s clear delineation of presidential powers.
He noted that the minister “does not know the Constitutional Tribunal’s 2012 ruling that clarifies the president’s prerogative to appoint judges,” and warned that the denial “ignores the judiciary’s role in delivering judgments, not converting courtrooms into parliamentary chambers.”
Nawrocki added that, while presidents may refuse appointments “in accordance with Polish law and constitution,” the minister should respect the constitutional mandate and Tribunal rulings.
Żurek’s Defense of the Refusal
Minister Żurek, addressing a press conference, said his decision was driven by “the minister’s own legal equilibriums,” claiming that the refusal stemmed from presidential disapproval of whispered suggestions that conflicted with his view of the constitution.
He described the motivation as “outside the law and unconstitutional,” asserting that the refusal, in his view, indicates tampering with the nomination process.
Żurek explained that the “key refusal” related to the 2020‑2021 lists of judge objections—what he called “envelope elections”—and that all those involved had signed the lists of opposition.