Polish Constitutional Tribunal crisis persists over unpaid judges

The crisis surrounding the Polish Constitutional Tribunal continues as the government seeks a solution to pay the salaries of four judges selected by the Sejm, who have been without pay for six months. The impasse stems from the refusal of Constitutional Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski to allow these judges to perform their duties or take their oaths.

Former Constitutional Tribunal President Jerzy Stępień characterized the resolution of the unpaid salaries as a “technical issue,” stating that the State Treasury is obligated to provide the funds regardless of which ministry manages the transfer. He accused Święczkowski of unlawfully preventing the judges from adjudicating.

Finance Minister Andrzej Domański addressed the situation, placing responsibility for the deadlock on President Święczkowski. While Domański emphasized that all salary payments must have a proper legal basis, he did not confirm reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs might be tasked with making the payments, noting that such information is often difficult for government officials to comment on officially.