A happening described as a “pseudo-oath-taking” involving judges-elect of the Constitutional Tribunal took place in the Sejm. “I assess this spectacle very negatively. In my opinion, they were used for political purposes,” said Constitutional Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski on the program “Gabinet Sakiewicza” (Sakiewicz’s Office – ed.). He emphasized that until the four judges-elect take their oath before the president, they will not formally assume office.
A new program, “Sakiewicz’s Office,” has launched on Telewizja Republika. The station’s president, Tomasz Sakiewicz, will discuss the most important issues concerning Poland with his guests. In the first episode, the guest was Constitutional Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski.
“How many judges are there in the Constitutional Tribunal?” the host, Tomasz Sakiewicz, asked.
“Eleven,” Święczkowski replied without hesitation, adding that he was speaking in his capacity as head of the institution.
What about the others who consider themselves Tribunal judges but have not taken the oath before President Karol Nawrocki? “They are four judges-elect—individuals selected for judicial positions. However, they have not taken the oath before the president, so they have not established an official service relationship,” Święczkowski said.
The president acknowledged that the judges-elect are not Tribunal judges who could adjudicate cases or receive remuneration, and that this situation will continue until the president confirms acceptance of their oath.
Święczkowski also addressed the Sejm happening involving the so-called oath-taking.
“I assess this spectacle very negatively. In my opinion, they were used for political purposes. I am surprised they decided to take such a step (…) Perhaps they did not fully consider what they were doing,” he stressed.
When asked whether the Tribunal is currently functioning and able to issue rulings, Święczkowski replied: “Of course.” He noted that on Thursday, the judges will examine a complaint filed by the National Council of the Judiciary.
Sakiewicz also asked what Święczkowski would do if the judges-elect attempted to enter the Constitutional Tribunal building with police assistance.
“I would smile. The police cannot do that. The Tribunal, as a constitutional state institution, has autonomy,” Święczkowski responded. “As President of the Tribunal, I am accountable only to the Constitution. I can imagine someone attempting a forceful entry into the Tribunal, but it would end with them having to leave.”
“It will be fine. We will not yield to pressure,” the President of the Constitutional Tribunal concluded.