Czarzasty Rejects Presidential Judiciary Bill Following Venice Commission Warning

Speaker of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty has officially halted work on President Karol Nawrocki’s judicial reform bill, citing the Venice Commission’s assessment that the proposal would exacerbate Poland’s existing legal crisis.

The Venice Commission Intervention

In February, President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a bill concerning the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) and submitted his own proposal to the Sejm. Following a request from the Speaker of the Sejm, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe reviewed the draft, hearing testimonies from representatives of the Sejm and the President.

The Commission concluded that the presidential draft would deepen the ongoing crisis in the Polish justice system. Consequently, the Venice Commission recommended that Poland abandon further work on the proposed legislation.

Czarzasty Ends Legislative Process

Włodzimierz Czarzasty announced that he will not grant the bill further legislative momentum. Citing opinions from Sejm lawyers, internal parliamentary offices, and the Venice Commission, he declared the matter closed.

The Speaker highlighted that the Commission raised specific objections regarding prohibitions on questioning the constitutional status of courts and the legitimacy of judicial appointments. He further noted that parliamentary legal experts had previously warned the bill could undermine judicial independence and the separation of powers.

Contentious Provisions and Potential Referendum

The presidential bill aimed to restrict judges from challenging the status of other judges or the National Council of the Judiciary, while introducing civil and criminal liability for actions deemed contrary to the constitutional order. The proposal also included potential prison sentences of up to 10 years for judges who refuse to participate in specific court compositions.

President Nawrocki defended the bill as a necessary measure to restore constitutional order and respect for judicial nominations. He previously signaled that if his proposals were rejected, he would seek a national referendum on the matter.