Tusk vows to push through contested overhaul of Poland’s constitutional court

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has vowed to press ahead with a controversial overhaul of the country’s constitutional court, insisting that restoring its independence is essential after years of political conflict.

In a televised address on Saturday, Tusk said “in certain matters, there can be no compromise”, despite protests and the deployment of riot police around the court in Warsaw.

The tribunal became a central point of conflict between the European Union and Poland’s former ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party during its eight years in power.

Since returning to office in 2023, Tusk has sought to reverse judicial reforms introduced under PiS, but his efforts have been obstructed by opposition-aligned presidents with veto powers. President Karol Nawrocki earlier this year refused to swear in five judges approved by parliament.

The latest crisis erupted on Friday when government-backed judges moved to take procedural control of the tribunal, suspending its PiS-appointed chief judge and deputy.

via BBC

Tusk defended the move, arguing that the court had ceased to function as a legitimate judicial institution under the previous government. The dispute has intensified political tensions, with Nawrocki joining protests and opposition figures accusing the government of undermining constitutional order.