Polish Constitutional Tribunal Judge Sławomir Patyra Calls Coalition’s Inaction a Serious Accusation

Sławomir Patyra, the newest judge of Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal, was appointed by the Sejm in June and sworn in July by President Karol Nawrocki. Patyra, the seventh judge selected this year, said the Tribunal cannot issue legally valid rulings because four judges elected in March are barred from sitting, rendering any decisions legally defective.

He accused the ruling coalition of serious wrongdoing for allowing the Tribunal to operate in a state he described as “inconsistent with the Constitution and standards.” Patyra announced he will not participate in any rulings until all seven judges appointed by the Sejm are permitted to adjudicate. He also reported a discussion with Tribunal president Bogdan Święczkowski, who was reportedly displeased with Patyra’s stance. Patyra warned that the current composition delays resolution of a backlog of constitutional complaints, some pending for years.