Żurek: We Are Outplaying the President, But Using Methods Fully Consistent with the Law

Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek insists the government has found lawful ways to implement judicial reforms despite presidential vetoes and constitutional disputes.

Outplaying the President Lawfully

Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek maintains that the government has found a way to implement changes in the judiciary despite presidential vetoes and disputes with the Constitutional Tribunal. In an interview with “Rzeczpospolita,” he states that they are outplaying the president using methods consistent with the law. He also assures that his position in the government remains stable, and rumors of a possible dismissal are intended to hinder his work.

According to the minister, presidential decisions have not stopped the process of restoring the rule of law. As an example, he points to the election of the new National Council of the Judiciary (KRS). After the bill regarding the Council was vetoed, the ruling authorities feared the judicial community would boycott elections held under existing regulations.

However, this scenario did not materialize. Delegates were chosen, and Żurek believes this successfully initiated the restoration of the constitutional model of the KRS. The minister emphasizes that the judicial part of the Council was mostly chosen by judges themselves rather than designated by political organizations.

The new KRS includes, among others, Łukasz Piebiak, a former deputy minister of justice during the rule of Zbigniew Ziobro. However, Żurek assesses that individual controversial candidates do not change his overall evaluation of the Council. He remarked that every basket contains some wormy plums, stressing that the method of selecting the judicial majority is what matters most.

The Constitutional Tribunal and Court Assessors

The minister also considers the election of seven new judges to the Constitutional Tribunal a success. In his view, these are lawyers with high qualifications and significant authority. He announces that in the autumn, the government will take further actions so the Tribunal can function lawfully again.

Żurek also addressed the dispute regarding court assessors. The president appointed them without the prime minister’s countersignature, relying on a ruling by the Tribunal led by Bogdan Święczkowski. The minister believes the government found a lawful solution: the assessors handed the originals of their appointment acts to court presidents, and these acts were subsequently countersigned by the prime minister.

As a result, about 11,000 cases per month are set to be reviewed by young lawyers. However, Żurek emphasizes that assessors remained uncertain for many months, with some even registering as unemployed.

The minister asserts that they have a response for every case of constitutional violation, stating they will press forward and refuse to be cornered.

“Żurek is on the chopping block”? The Minister Responds

Waldemar Żurek disagrees with rumors that his position in the government is weakening. He claims it remains stable and strong, though he acknowledges the post of justice minister carries high political risk.

The minister believes he has infringed upon the interests of many groups operating within the justice system. As a judge, he intends to be thorough and consistent, which is why part of the environment is trying to undermine his credibility.

He states that spreading rumors about him being on the chopping block is an attempt to hinder his daily work, adding that some of this information is even starting to amuse him.

Żurek emphasizes that he does not intend to build a political career and does not belong to any party. He does not rule out returning to adjudicating after his government service concludes.

Over 440 Nominations in the Prosecution Service

The minister also rejects accusations that he is blocking promotions in the prosecution service and weakening its operations. According to data he presented, 237 prosecution assessors and 212 district prosecutors were appointed within a year. Further nominations included 49 regional prosecutors, 18 appellate prosecutors, and eight prosecutors from the National Prosecutor’s Office.

This totals over 440 nominations. Additionally, 52 prosecutors who reached retirement age decided to continue working.

Żurek declares that separating the functions of the minister of justice and the prosecutor general is necessary. At the same time, he believes that under the current political setup, any systemic bill on this matter would be vetoed by the president. Therefore, the ministry wants to introduce transparent competitions for higher prosecutorial positions.

Pending Recourse Lawsuits and Future Plans

One of the unrealized plans remains recourse lawsuits against judges appointed with the participation of the unconstitutional KRS. Żurek admits the document has not been filed yet, as work on successive versions of the lawsuit continues, and issues regarding the competencies of various institutions remain to be agreed upon.

Regarding compensation awarded by the European Court of Human Rights, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Poland all play a role. The minister hopes the entire procedure will conclude by the end of August.

Żurek also announces further actions against Zbigniew Ziobro. The prosecution service is set to reapply for a European Arrest Warrant so the former minister can be detained if he appears within the European Union. Żurek believes Ziobro’s departure from Poland shows the politician fears proceedings before a polish court.

More Places for Future Judges and Prosecutors

The ministry increased recruitment for the National School of Judiciary and Prosecution. In 2025, 185 individuals were accepted for judicial training and 115 for prosecutorial training. In 2026, the limits rose to 210 and 150 places respectively.

Trainee scholarships were also raised by 1,000 PLN. In addition to the branch in Gdańsk, another is planned to open in Poznań. The ministry hopes to encourage young lawyers to work in courts and prosecution offices outside the largest centers.

In 2025, courts received 1,159 assistant positions, and in 2026 another 325. Ultimately, the ministry wants to reach a situation where each judge has one assistant at their disposal.

Waldemar Żurek maintains that despite delays and political conflicts, the government is executing its plan to rebuild the institutions of a state governed by law. At the same time, he admits that working as a minister is exceptionally difficult and taxing, though he does not regret leaving the bench.

He declares that he has a plan and will consistently execute it.