Scandal erupts over Polish court reform

A long-running controversy in Poland over the government’s judicial reforms intensified Wednesday (29 January) when its two top bodies — the Constitutional and Supreme courts — clashed over the appointment of judges.

The Constitutional Court took issue with a ruling last week by the Supreme Court that judges chosen by new government-backed institutions could be politically influenced in any verdicts they make.

In a statement, the Constitutional Court — whose main role is to ensure that any laws the government makes comply with the constitution — said that it had “suspended the application” of the Supreme Court’s ruling of 23 January.

The two bodies have regularly accused each other of overstepping their respective jurisdictions.

Critics say that the Constitutional Court is stacked with allies of the governing Law and Justice (PiS) party.

But the PiS contends that the Supreme Court — whose task is to oversee lower courts — is allied with the opposition, even though its supporters insist that it is independent and simply does not toe the government line.

The latest row comes amid sharp misgivings in Brussels over the Polish government’s judicial reforms, which the right-wing populist PiS argues are needed to tackle corruption in a judicial system still haunted by the communist era.

But critics, including top European judicial bodies, say the changes undermine judicial independence, the rule of law and threaten democracy.

Last week, the PiS-controlled parliament approved controversial legislation designed to discipline judges who question the government’s reforms, which Supreme Court president Malgorzata Gersdorf slammed as a “muzzle-law”.

A spokesman for the European Commission said the “independence and legitimacy of the Constitutional Tribunal (court) in Poland have been seriously undermined and it is no longer able to provide an effective constitutional review.”

PiS-allied Polish President Andrzej Duda, tipped to win a second term in an election this spring, has made it clear he is ready to sign the bill into law.

On Tuesday, European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová visited Warsaw to hold discussions with the speakers of the lower house of parliament and senate, the justice minister and the ombudsman.

She voiced concern over the government’s “smear campaign” against judges.


The author: Margareta STROOT

Margareta Stroot, a multi-talented individual, calls Brussels her home. With a unique blend of careers, she balances her time as a part-time journalist and a part-time real estate agent. Margareta's deep-rooted knowledge of the city of Brussels, where she resides, has proven invaluable in both of her roles. Her journalism captures the essence of the city, while her real estate expertise helps others find their perfect homes in the vibrant Belgian capital.

Related posts

Leave a Comment