Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal appointment dispute

A legal and political dispute has emerged in Poland regarding the appointment of Maciej Berek as a judge of the Constitutional Tribunal. Although Berek took his oath in the Sejm, the President has not accepted it, citing a legal requirement that candidates must have at least ten years of professional experience as an attorney, legal advisor, or notary—a requirement Berek has reportedly not met.

Berek has visited the Constitutional Tribunal building, sharing photos on social media to signal his intent to begin judicial work. While the Tribunal stated his visit to the judicial section was permitted by President Bogdan Święczkowski, Berek previously alleged that Święczkowski physically blocked his access to the judicial corridor and filed a notification with the prosecutor regarding a suspected crime against a public official.

Włodzimierz Czarzasty, leader of the New Left, has dismissed opposition arguments regarding Berek’s formal qualifications, stating the matter is closed following the Sejm's election of Berek. Meanwhile, Berek has criticized the actions of the President and Święczkowski, suggesting they are attempting to unilaterally manage the Tribunal and state affairs.