Polish President Karol Nawrocki will announce actions regarding the Constitutional Tribunal judges upon his return from a four-day visit to the United States.
President’s US Visit and Tribunal Announcement
Rafał Leśkiewicz announced that President Nawrocki will address actions concerning the Constitutional Tribunal after returning from the US. The President’s trip to the United States, from March 27-30, includes visits to Lockheed Martin, attendance at the CPAC conference in Dallas, and meetings with the Polish diaspora in Texas, where state decorations will be awarded.
Selection of Judges and Presidential Review
The Sejm elected six Constitutional Tribunal judges on March 13th. The President’s office requested clarification from the Sejm Speaker regarding the selection process. Włodzimierz Czarzasty declined to engage in debate with the President’s office, considering the correspondence closed, and urged President Nawrocki to administer the oath of office.
Oath Requirement and Constitutional Framework
According to a 2016 law concerning the status of Constitutional Tribunal judges, selected individuals must swear an oath before the President. The Tribunal itself, as defined by the Constitution, consists of 15 judges selected by the Sejm for nine-year terms, with re-election prohibited.
Tusk: Judges Will Take Oath Regardless
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the government maintains the position that the President has no discretion in the matter. He affirmed that the elected individuals are already judges and will take the oath regardless of the President’s actions.
Appointed Judges
The newly appointed judges include Krystian Markiewicz, Maciej Taborowski, Marcin Dziurda, Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, Dariusz Szostek, and Magdalena Bentkowska. Artur Kotowski and Michał Skwarzyński were not approved by the Sejm.
Appeal for Oath Administration
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek appealed to the President not to obstruct the Constitution and administer the oath, stating the ministry has a “Plan B” if the President refuses. The elected judges have also appealed to the President for information regarding a possible oath-taking date.