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Maciej Berek elected to Poland's Constitutional Tribunal

Updated 17 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-04 11:34 UTC → 2026-09-04 11:34 UTC · added removed

Maciej Berek, the former Polish Minister for Supervision of Government Policy Implementation, has been elected by the Sejm as a judge of the Constitutional Tribunal. His nomination by the Civic Coalition (KO) follows his dismissal from his ministerial post by President Karol Nawrocki. In the final vote, Berek secured 226 votes, surpassing the required absolute majority of 219, while his opponent, Artur Kotowski (nominated by Law and Justice), received 184 votes. The election fills a vacancy created by the upcoming expiration of judge Justyna Piskorski’s term on September 18. The appointment has intensified debates regarding judicial independence and professional qualifications. Critics, including MP Marcin Warchoł and Zbigniew Bogucki, have questioned whether Berek meets the statutory requirement of ten years of professional experience as a legal counsel. Berek has defended his eligibility by presenting a certificate from the Dean of the District Council of Legal Counsel. Political friction remains high. President Karol Nawrocki expressed alarm, suggesting the Tribunal does not require a politician ‘closely linked to the Prime Minister’. While Prime Minister Donald Tusk has defended Berek as a ‘highly distinguished lawyer’ and an apolitical expert, internal opposition persists. Members of the Lewica (New Left) party have raised concerns about potential political influence on the court, echoing previous criticisms from MP Maciej Tomczykiewicz and Vice-Marshal Magdalena Biejat regarding the need for non-political candidates to restore public trust. Legal experts and nine foundations, including the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, have previously raised concerns regarding the principle of impartiality due to Berek’s recent high-ranking government role. Additionally, former Constitutional Tribunal President Jerzy Stępień has expressed concern that the appointment could undermine the institution's impartiality.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-04 11:34 UTC Maciej Berek elected to Poland's Constitutional Tribunal
  2. 2026-09-04 11:34 UTC Maciej Berek elected to Poland's Constitutional Tribunal
  3. 2026-09-04 09:12 UTC Maciej Berek elected to Poland's Constitutional Tribunal
  4. 2026-09-03 13:37 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  5. 2026-08-27 18:59 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  6. 2026-08-27 11:01 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  7. 2026-08-27 05:41 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  8. 2026-08-24 11:18 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  9. 2026-08-22 06:22 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  10. 2026-08-21 19:14 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  11. 2026-08-21 10:30 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  12. 2026-08-20 13:46 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  13. 2026-08-18 20:45 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  14. 2026-08-17 19:59 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  15. 2026-08-15 10:52 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  16. 2026-08-15 01:49 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  17. 2026-08-14 05:34 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination
  18. 2026-08-13 14:36 UTC Maciej Berek Constitutional Tribunal nomination

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