Polish President Delays Swearing‑In of Judge Sławomir Patyra

Sławomir Patyra Constitutional Tribunal Karol Nawrocki swearing‑in delay Polish judiciary

Dr hab. Sławomir Patyra was elected by the Sejm on 11 June 2024 as a judge of Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal. After the term of Judge Andrzej Zielonacki ended on 28 June, Patyra’s appointment required him to take the oath of office before President Karol Nawrocki.

Patyra sent a letter to the president on 3 July requesting a date for his swearing‑in, stating his “obligation of due diligence” and signalling his readiness to assume duties. The president’s chief of staff, Zbigniew Bogucki, later said the oath will occur “when the president invites him,” describing the matter as a decision the president is “analyzing.” The delay has been linked by Patyra to “technical‑organizational calendar issues,” though he declined to assign any specific intent to the postponement.

Under Polish law, a judge who does not take the oath forfeits the position. The ongoing stalemate has drawn public attention, with opinion polls indicating a majority of respondents expect the president to proceed with the oath for the five judges awaiting confirmation.