Constitutional Tribunal judges delivered their oath documents to the President after swearing-in ceremonies, asserting all formalities are complete.
Tribunal Judges Submit Documents, Declare Formalities Complete
Judges of the Constitutional Tribunal (TK) have submitted documents to the President, with Krystian Markiewicz stating that all required formalities have been fulfilled. This follows a swearing-in ceremony held earlier in the Sejm (Parliament).
After leaving the Presidential Chancellery on Thursday afternoon, Krystian Markiewicz, on behalf of all six TK judges who took their oath in the Sejm, announced the submission of the written oaths to the President.
Oath-Taking and Document Delivery
The six judges elected in March took their oaths during a ceremony in the Sejm. Dariusz Szostek and Magdalena Bentkowska had their oaths received by President Karol Nawrocki, while Krystian Markiewicz, Maciej Taborowski, Marcin Dziurda, and Anna Korwin-Piotrowska also swore their oaths.
Judges Assert Legitimate Election and Duty to Serve
Markiewicz emphasized that they are “rightfully and effectively elected judges of the Constitutional Tribunal.” He stated that it is now their duty to “immediately begin performing judicial duties.”
He affirmed their commitment to uphold the constitution, serve the nation faithfully, and execute their duties impartially and with utmost diligence.
Dispute Over Presidential Role in Oath-Taking
Markiewicz noted that enabling the oath to be taken in a formal setting was the President’s obligation to the nation. He stated that the President only did so for two of them, leading the remaining judges to invite the President to their swearing-in.
Formal Submission to President Confirms Office Assumption
Markiewicz declared that their oath was addressed to the President and that submitting the written oath to the President completes all formalities necessary to assume office.
He added that “law must regulate the situation in the state,” and they are ready to perform all tasks with respect for the constitution and citizens.
Procedure Followed During Swearing-In Ceremonies
During the Sejm ceremony, four judges who had not previously taken oaths recited the formula: “I address myself to the President of the Republic of Poland. Pursuant to Art. 4 sec. 1 of the Act of November 30, 2016, on the Status of Constitutional Tribunal Judges (…), I swear before the President of the Republic of Poland the following oath.” The two judges who previously swore oaths at the Presidential Palace simply recited the oath formula as stipulated in the law.
Judges Enter Constitutional Tribunal Headquarters
After submitting the documents at the Chancellery of the Sejm, the judges proceeded to the Constitutional Tribunal and entered its headquarters.
KPRP Chief Emphasizes Presidential Authority
Zbigniew Bogucki, Head of the Chancellery of the Sejm, stated that the President is the sole body to whom the oath of a Constitutional Tribunal judge can be effectively administered. He argued that attempts to replace the statutory procedure must be considered a refusal to comply with the law, which is equivalent to resigning from the position of TK judge.
