A political crisis has emerged in Poland over control of the country’s Constitutional Tribunal, an important institution responsible for reviewing laws and protecting the constitution.
On Friday evening, October 30, 2026, Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski and Vice-President Bartłomiej Sochański were suspended by judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska. The two judges were among five people elected by the Sejm, Poland’s lower house of Parliament. However, President Karol Nawrocki had refused to accept their judicial oaths.
The situation became more tense when police surrounded the tribunal building as protesters tried to enter. President Nawrocki, who was traveling to Senegal, returned to Warsaw and visited the tribunal late at night. During his visit, he addressed the remaining judges and said, “You are not Constitutional Tribunal judges.”
The confrontation marked a major development in a legal dispute that has continued for nearly a decade. The conflict has created serious political tensions and raised questions about the leadership and authority of the tribunal.
Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal has 15 judges, who are elected by the Sejm for nine-year terms. The tribunal plays an important role in reviewing laws and bills. It also examines legislation submitted by the President before he decides whether to sign or veto it.
The ongoing dispute over the tribunal’s leadership has raised concerns about Poland’s rule of law and constitutional governance. The situation continues to highlight the growing political and legal tensions in the country.