Poland is experiencing a deepening political crisis over control of its Constitutional Tribunal, following a dramatic confrontation last week between the government and nationalist forces allied with the country’s president. On Friday, the court’s president, Bogdan Swieczkowski, a former deputy justice minister under the previous right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) administration, was suspended by another judge, Anna Korwin-Piotrowska. This move sparked protests and a heavy police presence around the court building in Warsaw.

In response, President Karol Nawrocki, an ally of the former nationalist government, cut short a trip to Senegal and returned to Poland to oversee crisis talks with political party representatives. Nawrocki criticized the government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, accusing it of attempting a forced takeover of the judiciary. “There was a breach of public order in the Republic of Poland and a forcible takeover of a constitutional body,” Nawrocki stated, demanding the withdrawal of police and the reinstatement of Swieczkowski. He called for urgent consultations to address what he described as a “violation of the constitutional order” and a threat to internal security.

The confrontation reflects a long-running battle over the judiciary that dates back to 2015, when the Law and Justice party began filling the tribunal with its own appointees, a move criticized domestically and by the European Union as undermining judicial independence. Since Tusk’s pro-European coalition came to power in 2023, it has sought to reform the court and restore compliance with EU standards, but the process has been hampered by opposition from Nawrocki and nationalist forces. Nawrocki has refused to swear in several judges nominated by the current parliament, while Swieczkowski has blocked appointments favored by Tusk’s government.

Prime Minister Tusk defended his administration’s actions as necessary to restore the rule of law after years of what he described as the previous government’s “lawlessness.” He acknowledged the difficulty of the reforms and called for decisive measures. The Justice Minister and Attorney General, Waldemar Zurek, also supported the suspension of Swieczkowski, describing the court as having become “private property” and emphasizing the need to restore its proper functioning.

The court itself remained divided on the issue, with its official communications indicating that Swieczkowski was still president, challenging the legitimacy of Korwin-Piotrowska’s interim leadership. Demonstrations by supporters of the opposition right-wing PiS party included chants against Tusk and attempts to storm security barricades, resulting in three arrests.

The escalating conflict raises concerns about potential instability ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for late 2027, with political analysts noting the risk of heightened tensions as parties mobilize voters. International observers, including the U.S. ambassador to Poland, have urged restraint from all sides to avoid further escalation and potential violence. The dispute highlights ongoing challenges faced by Poland in balancing judicial independence, political influence, and its relationship with the European Union.