Polish President Returns Amid Political Turmoil Over Suspended Judge

Polish President Andrzej Duda returned to Warsaw on Friday evening, cutting short a trip to Senegal, following the suspension of the Constitutional Tribunal's president by the country's pro-European government. The move has ignited anti-government protests and intensified the political standoff between President Duda's allies and Prime Minister Donald Tusk's administration.

Duda, who has previously aligned with the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, stated that the president must be in Poland during such a moment. Upon his return, he went to the Constitutional Tribunal building and facilitated the entry of the suspended court president, Bogdan Święczkowski.

On Saturday morning, Duda declared that a "breach of Poland’s constitutional order" had occurred and called for an urgent meeting with parliamentary group leaders to discuss stabilizing the political situation. The protests surrounding the Constitutional Tribunal have highlighted the deep divisions in Polish politics, particularly between the current government and the opposition PiS party, which previously held power from 2015 to 2023.

The Constitutional Tribunal has been a central point of contention. Critics, including those in the European Union, have accused the PiS government of exerting political influence over key judicial institutions. These actions led the EU to impose fines on Poland.

Prime Minister Tusk's government, which came to power in 2023 with a mandate to restore judicial independence, has faced significant obstacles. Vetoes from two successive presidents, including Duda, have blocked their reform efforts.

On Friday evening, the Constitutional Tribunal's website announced the suspension of its president, Bogdan Święczkowski. Shortly thereafter, protesters, including PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński and far-right politicians, gathered outside the building. Police reported detaining three protesters after some individuals threw objects and attempted to breach a security fence.

The government contends that Święczkowski repeatedly violated the law and compromised the tribunal's functioning. Prime Minister Tusk accused him of preventing judges elected by the parliamentary majority from assuming their positions.

"Restoring the rule of law is our obligation," Tusk wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "After years of lawlessness under PiS this is a difficult process, sometimes painful and it requires decisive action. There is no other way."

Tusk had previously committed to ensuring the tribunal would be staffed with lawfully appointed judges, acknowledging that his methods might be controversial. Politicians from the PiS party have condemned Święczkowski's suspension, with former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro calling it a "blatant, criminal attack on the constitutional order" and urging "resistance that will be loud, firm, solidary and fearless."