Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek urges swift appointment of over 200 judges as Opole court leadership dispute flar

More than 200 graduates of the National School of Judiciary and Prosecutor's Office have passed the judicial exam and are awaiting presidential appointment so they can begin work as assessors in Polish courts. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek appealed to President Karol Nawrocki, arguing that the candidates should not be held hostage by the political dispute and noting that, if employed, they could collectively handle over 10,500 cases each month.

At the same time, Żurek faced criticism for his handling of a separate appointment. In the Opole Regional Court, the judges’ assembly gave a clear majority of votes to Dariusz Kita for the position of president, but the minister appointed judge Jolanta Madziałę‑Stysiak, who received fewer votes. The decision was presented as an example of the minister listening to the judiciary, but observers highlighted the inconsistency.

Both episodes underscore an ongoing clash between the Presidency and the government over judicial nominations and reflect broader tensions within Poland’s justice system.