Poland Constitutional Tribunal faces leadership dispute and protests

Constitutional Tribunal Donald Tusk Karol Nawrocki Poland political crisis rule of law

A severe institutional crisis has erupted in Poland following the suspension of Constitutional Tribunal President Bogdan Swieczkowski and Vice President Bartłomiej Sochański. The suspension, announced on October 30, 2026, by Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, led her to assume control of the court. The Tribunal’s official social media accounts have denounced the move as an illegal “coup d’état,” claiming the website was hijacked and that Korwin-Piotrowska is not a legitimate magistrate.

The situation escalated as President Karol Nawrocki cut short a trip to Senegal to return to Warsaw, where he reportedly attempted to enter the court building amidst heavy police presence and protests. Prime Minister Donald Tusk defended the government’s actions as necessary to restore the rule of law, accusing the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party of attempting to destroy democratic institutions.

Protests by PiS supporters have occurred outside the tribunal, leading to clashes with police and the arrest of several individuals. Meanwhile, the Polish opposition, led by former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, has announced intentions to file a motion of no confidence against the Tusk government, proposing the formation of a technical government to manage the country until new elections.

Entities

Anna Korwin-Piotrowska · Bogdan Święczkowski · Constitutional Court of Poland · Constitutional Tribunal · Constitutional Tribunal of Poland · Donald Tusk · Karol Nawrocki · Law and Justice · Law and Justice party · Mateusz Morawiecki · Poland · Waldemar Żurek

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] E. coli was found in cottage cheese from multiple companies including Tamara and Ani, Marianna, and Biokat.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Deviations in yeast and mold levels were found in cottage cheese from Bonilat, Tamara and Ani, Arzni Dairy, Chanakh, and Marila.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Informed and Protected Consumer NGO conducted a dairy market study under the “Inclusive Public Oversight” initiative.
[○ 1 SOURCE] E. coli was detected in yogurt from Yerevyan Products, Arzni Dairy, and Bonilat.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Escherichia coli (E. coli) was found in Ashtarak Kat milk.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Samples were taken from 11 dairy producing companies.
[● 7 SOURCES] The National Police Headquarters denied that officer mobilization was linked to Constitutional Tribunal protests.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Protesters blocked police officers attempting to reach the entrance of the Constitutional Tribunal.
[● 5 SOURCES] The leadership change included a one-month break for Bogdan Święczkowski and Bartłomiej Sochański.
[● 6 SOURCES] The police stated the mobilization is due to threats of sabotage and diversion.
[● 6 SOURCES] A directive issued on October 29 ordered prevention units to be in full readiness from November 2 to November 8, 2026.
[● 4 SOURCES] Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska assumed leadership of the Constitutional Tribunal.