Constitutional Judge Nominee Patyra Demands Swearing-In Date from President
Dr. Sławomir Patyra, elected by the Sejm as a Constitutional Tribunal judge, has formally requested President Karol Nawrocki to set a date for his oath of office, citing his readiness to serve....
Dr. Sławomir Patyra, elected by the Sejm as a Constitutional Tribunal judge, has formally requested President Karol Nawrocki to set a date for his oath of office, citing his readiness to serve.
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Patyra’s Formal Request
Dr. hab. Sławomir Patyra, elected by the Sejm on June 11, formally petitioned President Karol Nawrocki on Friday to schedule his swearing-in ceremony. The constitutional expert described the letter as a signal of his readiness to begin his duties at the Constitutional Tribunal (TK) following the vacancy created by the expiration of Judge Andrzej Zielonacki’s term on June 28.
In an interview with TVN24, Patyra emphasized his professional duty to act with due diligence. He stated that because the judicial vacancy is now a reality, he wishes to signal to both the President and the public that he is ready to establish his formal employment relationship with the Tribunal at any time.
Presidential Response and Delays
Patyra stated that he does not currently attribute any specific negative intent to the President regarding the delay, suggesting it may stem from technical or organizational issues in the President’s calendar. He expressed his intention to wait calmly for a response throughout the coming week.
The jurist declined to speculate on his future actions should he receive no response. Previously, the head of the Presidential Chancelry, Zbigniew Bogucki, remarked that the selection process for Patyra followed regulations and procedural rules, though he maintained that the final decision on the oath remains with the President.
Background and Ongoing Institutional Dispute
Dr. hab. Sławomir Patyra is a constitutional law expert associated with the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin and the Kazimierz Pułaski University in Radom. His candidacy was supported by several parliamentary groups following a recommendation from the Justice and Human Rights Committee.
The situation follows a broader, ongoing dispute regarding the appointment of judges to the Constitutional Tribunal. Earlier this year, four other judges elected by the Sejm faced significant hurdles in assuming their roles, leading to unresolved legal conflicts, interventions by the European Court of Human Rights, and pending competency disputes before the Tribunal itself.