Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek Faces Replacement Rumors, Prompting Political Rift

Roman Giertych publicly responded to media speculation that he might replace Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek, stating that "two elements are needed" for such a change. The possibility sparked a reaction from the Left, which warned it would leave the coalition government if Giertych were appointed, citing concerns over the independence of the prosecutor's office and the credibility of recent prosecutorial reforms.

Legal scholars Prof. Andrzej Zoll and Jerzy Stępień praised Żurek’s achievement in reorganising the National Council of the Judiciary but warned that the ministry still faces major challenges. They highlighted a divided prosecution service, legal provisions that prevent dismissing deputy prosecutors without presidential consent, and the need to separate the roles of justice minister and prosecutor‑general, as well as to speed up pending cases.

The debate underscores growing tensions within the governing coalition over the direction of Poland’s justice system.