Poland: Constitutional Tribunal dispute impacts political polls

A growing dispute within the Polish Constitutional Tribunal has triggered significant political reactions and shifts in public opinion. The conflict escalated in late October after judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska announced she had assumed the duties of the institution's president, ordering a suspension of Bogdan Święczkowski's activities. Święczkowski has characterized these actions as a “coup d’état” and maintains they lack legal validity.

Recent polling by SW Research suggests the controversy may influence the popularity of President Karol Nawrocki. Approximately 39.3 percent of respondents believe his approval ratings will increase due to the dispute, while 31.3 percent expect a decline. Demographic data shows a generational divide: 51 percent of those aged 25 to 34 believe his ratings will rise, whereas 42 percent of those over 50 expect his support to decrease.

Another poll by Opinia24 regarding the future of the Tribunal indicates that 30 percent of Poles favor a complete reform to select a new composition for the institution. This is followed by 19 percent who support the Tribunal operating under judges selected by the current parliamentary majority. Political affiliations heavily influence these views, with PiS voters largely supporting Święczkowski’s leadership, while KO voters favor Korwin-Piotrowska or other judges chosen by the current Sejm.