Constitutional Tribunal president faces calls for arrest in Poland

A political dispute is escalating in Poland regarding the Constitutional Tribunal, centered on the actions of its president, Bogdan Święczkowski. Ryszard Kalisz, a member of the National Electoral Commission, has called for police intervention to detain Święczkowski, alleging that the president is committing a crime by exceeding his authority.

The conflict stems from Święczkowski’s refusal to allow four judges, who were selected by the Sejm in March, to take up their duties. The dispute involves the legality of their oath-taking process; while some argue the oath must be taken before the President, others contend that an oath taken ‘before the office of the president’ or in writing at the Presidential Chancellery is legally sufficient.

While there have been discussions regarding potential forced entry into the Tribunal by authorities, such actions have not materialized. Meanwhile, demonstrations have been organized in defense of the Tribunal’s independence, and legal questions remain regarding the professional qualifications of other appointees, such as Maciej Berek.