President Karol Nawrocki established a council to draft a new constitution, appointing prominent legal and political figures to the body in Warsaw.
Council Formation and Members
The appointments were made on May 3rd, National Day, at the Royal Castle. The council includes former Speaker of the Sejm Marek Jurek, former PiS MEP Professor Ryszard Legutko, constitutional law expert Professor Anna Łabno, constitutional law scholar Dr. hab. Ryszard Piotrowski, former Speaker of the Sejm Józef Zych, former President of the Constitutional Tribunal Julia Przyłębska, and Barbara Piwnik, a retired judge and former Minister of Justice under Leszek Miller’s government.
Parliamentary and Expert Input
The council will also include representatives from parliamentary clubs and caucuses – two from each club and one from each caucus. The group has until the end of Karol Nawrocki’s presidency to prepare a draft of the new fundamental law.
President Nawrocki’s Vision
President Nawrocki expressed his gratitude to the appointed professionals, emphasizing their diverse perspectives. He stated that the Presidential Palace will become a place for responsible political and social debate, ensuring a fair discussion open to all.
He added that the next step involves appointing experts in constitutional law, legal fields, and various social disciplines, and that invitations have been sent to all parliamentary groups in the Polish Sejm.
Debate and Consensus-Building
The President’s spokesperson, Rafał Leśkiewicz, emphasized that the meetings will be substantive and focused on concrete work, recognizing the political nature of the decision. He noted the importance of achieving a political consensus in drafting the constitution.
The goal is to facilitate a clash of different viewpoints, starting with a brainstorming session to develop a common project that will then be formally processed by the Polish Parliament, potentially followed by a referendum.
Additional Council and Opposition Response
In addition to the Constitution Council, President Nawrocki recently established a Council for Polonia and Poles Abroad, led by Konstanty Radziwiłł. Currently, fourteen advisory councils operate under the President, comprised of external experts.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the initiative as a “political game,” stating that a constitutional majority for the President’s proposal is unlikely. He expressed concern that it would only create further turmoil and that Poland needs stability.
Constitutional Requirements
Currently, amending the constitution requires at least two-thirds of the votes in the Sejm, with a minimum of 230 MPs present, as well as an absolute majority in the Senate. Tusk questioned the purpose of a constitutional debate led by individuals who may not respect the existing constitution.
