"One Court, Two Factions": Constitutional Court Power Struggle Sparks Unrest in Warsaw

On the evening of October 30, 2026, local time, Poland’s Constitutional Court descended into an unprecedented standoff known as "one court, two factions." The court’s official website issued a statement announcing the suspension of President Bogdan Szwedzicki and Vice President Bartosz Sohajski for one month, citing the appointment of Senior Judge Anna Kowal-Nowakowska to temporarily lead proceedings. However, the court’s official social media accounts immediately pushed back, claiming the website had been "illegally seized," asserting that the original president and vice president remained in office, and accusing those taking over of lacking judicial qualifications.

Police Deployed, President Breaks In

That night, large crowds gathered outside the Constitutional Court, accusing Prime Minister Tusk’s government of attempting to seize control of the judiciary. Police reinforced barriers around the building; three individuals were detained after attempting to scale the fence, and several people sustained injuries during clashes.

The most dramatic moment unfolded when President Narutowicz, originally en route to Senegal for an official visit, abruptly canceled his trip and redirected his private aircraft back to Warsaw upon learning of the crisis. Upon arrival at the courthouse, he entered the building through a side entrance accompanied by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and security personnel, where he held an emergency meeting with the head of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court’s chief justice.

Diplomatic System Thrown Into Turmoil

The internal conflict has spilled beyond the judiciary, affecting Poland’s diplomatic corps. Ambassador Jakub Kumoch to China announced his resignation, stating he could no longer fulfill his duties "in light of recent domestic developments." A close ally of former President Duda, his departure is widely interpreted as a protest against Prime Minister Tusk’s actions. Similarly, Ambassador Piotr Soloch to Romania also indicated his intention to resign. U.S. Ambassador Tom Ross described the situation as "unprecedented and highly volatile," urging all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.

Root Causes: A Decade-Long Judicial Conflict Reaches Breaking Point

The crisis traces its origins to 2015, when the Law and Justice Party (PiS) appointed a series of judges loyal to its agenda, leading the European Union to conclude that judicial independence had been compromised. Following the formation of Tusk’s government in 2023, efforts were launched to "restore the rule of law." Yet the Constitutional Court remained under the influence of PiS-appointed judges, frequently issuing rulings contrary to government policy.

This year, eight new judges were elected by parliament, but President Narutowicz—aligned with PiS—only accepted three for swearing-in, leaving the status of the remaining five unresolved. Neither side recognizes the legitimacy of the other’s judicial appointments, effectively paralyzing the court.

The Tusk government maintains that decisive action is necessary to correct eight years of legal disorder and restore constitutional order. By contrast, President Narutowicz and opposition figures view the use of police force to intervene in judicial affairs as a coup attempt against the Constitutional Court. The EU and the United States have expressed concern over Poland’s rule of law and political stability, yet remain cautious not to appear to take sides.

Poland’s Constitutional Court now stands at the center of a legitimacy crisis. The president and prime minister are openly divided. Diplomatic officials are resigning in succession. Street protests confront police lines. Yet there has been no military intervention, no regime change—this remains a struggle over judicial authority within the constitutional framework, not a military coup.

A full assembly of judges is scheduled for November 3. Whether both sides will attend will serve as a key test. Of particular interest is whether President Narutowicz will invoke his veto power to block further government-backed judicial reforms—a move that could further escalate tensions.

This internal conflict is poised to become a central issue in the political contest leading up to next year’s parliamentary elections.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880532698607771/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.