Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal president Bogdan Swieczkowski was removed by the court’s longest-serving judge, Anna Korwin-Piotrowska , on Friday. This sparked unrest ahead of the parliamentary elections slated to take place in 2027.
Swieczkowski had been appointed by Tusk’s far-right predecessor and after news of his suspension broke, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the tribunal. Right-wing politicians reportedly addressed the crowd and accused the Tusk government of carrying out a coup against the court. Riot police were deployed to control the crowds. Heavy police presence was seen around the courthouse as cops tried to prevent protesters from entering. Three attempting to get into the premises were reportedly arrested.
The dispute began with the nationalist Law and Justice seeking to appoint judges to seats already held by the previous government. The Constitutional Tribunal is Poland’s highest constitutional court. Its main job is deciding if laws passed by parliament and other state actions comply with the nation’s constitution. Both sides have been vying for control over this court as it serves as the ultimate gatekeeper for the nation’s laws and government policies.
The European Union’s top court ruled in 2021 that the tribunal is not independent and impartial in its rulings While the nominees gained a majority on the Constitutional Tribunal. Tusk’s coalition took office in 2023 and made the pledge to restore the rule of law, and reform the court. However, when Nawrocki was elected president in 2025, the Law and Justice ally acted to thwart said efforts.
