Wednesday’s Sejm session begins with critical justice reforms, Ukraine legislation, and alcohol restrictions.
Justice Reforms Package
Wednesday’s Sejm session opens with first readings of two key justice projects prepared by the Ministry of Justice. Conceptual work began under Adam Bodnar, but now, after two years of coalition rule, they face parliamentary debate. The government approved them on Christmas Eve, lending political weight.
The proposals face opposition not only from the political opposition but also from legal communities and watchdog groups.
KRS Appointments and Status
The first project aims to restore “the right to an independent and impartial court established by law” by regulating resolutions of the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) made between 2018–2025. Practically, this concerns the status of nearly 3,000 judges appointed with the participation of the KRS formed after 2018, during PiS rule.
The project stipulates all current KRS resolutions on appointing judges will be void. However, the impact differs. “Young judges” (mainly graduates of the National School of Judiciary and Public Prosecution) retain their positions; others promoted or with prior legal careers lose their judicial status.
Opposition and Concerns
Such far-reaching legislative solutions raise serious concerns. NSA President Jacek Chlebny is critical, expressing doubts about solutions like retroactively voiding KRS resolutions, arguing it violates the constitutional separation of powers by granting legislative power to the judiciary.
Human Rights Commissioner Marcin Wiącek stated politicians cannot dismiss or demote judges. The opposition to the changes includes the Venice Commission, which previously criticized similar measures.
Alcohol Restriction Bills
The justice package isn’t the only contentious issue. Following a ban on alcohol sales within the Sejm, two parliamentary bills limiting alcohol sales and advertising will be considered. Left party proposes a total ban on gas station sales; Poland 2050 focuses on expanding local government powers to impose time-based sales restrictions.
A Senate bill protecting pregnant women from alcohol exposure and a Ministry of Health proposal (not yet government-approved) banning gas station sales are also in play.
Ukraine Legislation Deadline
A critical government bill to terminate provisions of the law aiding Ukrainian citizens due to the war faces a tight deadline. New regulations must enter force by March 5 when the current “special Ukrainian law” expires. Failure risks the legal basis for residency and work for thousands of Ukrainians and Polish employers.
Criminal Procedure Reform
On Wednesday evening at 21:00, the second reading of a major criminal procedure reform begins. This 40-page report combines eight government, committee, and parliamentary initiatives. Key changes include a new suspect definition enabling early defense rights, stricter rules for temporary detention, limits on illegally obtained evidence, and strengthening judicial authority over prosecutors.
