Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek clashes with President Karol Nawrocki over prosecutor leaks

Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek told TVP Info that President Karol Nawrocki has no right to judge officials appointed to the Constitutional Court, warning that the president would be held accountable for breaking the law. President’s spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz responded, calling Żurek “the worst minister of justice in the history of the Third Republic” and accusing him of arrogance.

Żurek also addressed allegations of leaks from the prosecutor’s office, saying the leaks are intentional attempts to weaken investigations and protect allies of former minister Zbigniew Ziobro. He pledged criminal proceedings against anyone responsible, emphasizing that he will not tolerate any breach of the law. The minister noted ongoing reforms of the prosecutor’s staff and the recent swearing‑in of four new Constitutional Court judges, an event in which President Nawrocki was absent.

The dispute highlights a growing political rift within Poland’s justice system, with the minister accusing the president of overstepping his authority and promising to pursue legal action against alleged internal leaks.