On Wednesday, Judge Zbigniew Kapiński officially assumed his role as the First President of the Supreme Court, rejecting accusations from Sławomir Cenckiewicz that his appointment was a grave error by Karol Nawrocki.
Kapiński takes the helm amid calls for stability
On Monday, May 25, presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz announced that Karol Nawrocki appointed Judge Zbigniew Kapiński as the First President of the Supreme Court. Kapiński replaces Małgorzata Manowska, whose six-year term has concluded.
Speaking on Trójka radio, Kapiński dismissed suggestions that his appointment was a presidential error. He cited his judicial career and his leadership of the Criminal Chamber, which remained efficient despite seven vacancies, as evidence of his qualifications.
Kapiński pledged to ensure all state bodies operate properly and efficiently. He declared an end to institutional divisions and skepticism, though he noted he had yet to enter his new office to address specific administrative tasks, such as convening the National Council of the Judiciary.
Cenckiewicz and PiS challenge the appointment
Kapiński’s remarks served as a direct rebuttal to criticism from circles close to the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Former BBN head Sławomir Cenckiewicz explicitly criticized Nawrocki on social media, labeling the appointment a “terrible mistake.”
Cenckiewicz accused Kapiński of suppressing evidence regarding Lech Wałęsa’s past cooperation with the Security Service during a 2000 trial, calling it a violation of judicial integrity. Cenckiewicz also dismissed the explanation provided by the presidential spokesperson as a “pyramidal lie,” a sentiment echoed publicly by PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński.
Manowska’s parting advice
During a Tuesday briefing, outgoing President Małgorzata Manowska offered three pieces of advice to her successor. She urged Kapiński to strictly respect and apply the law as written rather than through personal interpretation.
She also emphasized the importance of respecting all staff members, noting that they are the ones who provide support in the workplace. Finally, she advised Kapiński to ignore online criticism and avoid reading comments about himself to maintain emotional stability.