Poland’s Sejm elected six judges to the Constitutional Tribunal, triggering objections from the Presidential Chancellery over alleged procedural errors.
Sejm Defends Judges’ Selection Process
The Sejm stated that the selection of Constitutional Tribunal judges adhered to established procedures, emphasizing that each candidate was individually voted upon and a judge’s term begins on the date of their election by the Sejm.
The candidates were nominated by the ruling coalition, while two candidates put forward by the PiS club did not receive support.
Presidential Office Raises Concerns
The Head of the Presidential Chancellery, Zbigniew Bogucki, expressed doubts about the election process and announced he would seek clarification from the Sejm Speaker, Włodzimierz Czarzasty.
Bogucki alleged “critical procedural errors,” including potential violations of nomination deadlines, the required seven-day period for document review, and a lack of transparency regarding one candidate’s presentation to lawmakers.
Accusations of Rushed Process
Before the vote, Bogucki accused the ruling majority of attempting to “arrest” the Constitutional Tribunal by swiftly appointing candidates without due consideration, asserting the President would not allow this.
List of Elected Judges and Political Reactions
The newly elected judges include Krystian Markiewicz, Maciej Taborowski, Marcin Dziurda, Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, Dariusz Szostek, and Magdalena Bentkowska.
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek urged President Karol Nawrocki not to obstruct the constitution and administer the oath of office to the new judges, stating the ministry has a “Plan B” if the President refuses.
PiS Challenges Election’s Constitutionality
PiS lawmakers are contesting the constitutionality of the election, arguing that appointing six judges simultaneously violates established norms and that appointments should be staggered to align with expiring terms.
The Constitutional Tribunal has postponed a hearing on a PiS-submitted motion questioning the law governing the selection of judges and requested a written statement from President Nawrocki.
