President of the Constitutional Tribunal, Bogdan Świączkowski, left no room for doubt in his conversation with editor Adrian Stankowski – the current legal situation in Poland amounts to a constitutional coup, threatening the very foundations of the rule of law. Świączkowski points to serious irregularities in the actions of prosecutors, the government, and key institutions, which, instead of serving the citizens, are using their positions to destabilize the legal system.
Constitutional Tribunal’s Financial Crisis, Judicial Independence at Risk, and International Threats
These are just some of the pressing issues raised by Świączkowski, who emphasized the urgent need to defend the rule of law from political interference.
A Coup in Poland’s Legal System
The President of the Constitutional Tribunal does not hesitate to use strong words to describe the current crisis in the judiciary. Świączkowski asserts that the actions of the government and ministers, including Minister Adam Bodnar, are leading to state destabilization. He highlights political ties among top officials in the National Prosecutor’s Office and identifies individuals in public positions who, instead of serving the state, engage in unlawful activities, violating the law and exceeding their authority.
“I believe this is the personal responsibility of the minister and the Prosecutor General because he is the legitimate prosecutor.”
– Bogdan Świączkowski, President of the Constitutional Tribunal
Świączkowski accuses these individuals of weakening state institutions, which should not be used for political purposes. He reminds that every citizen has the right to expect authorities to uphold the constitution rather than exploit their positions for personal gain.
Constitutional Tribunal in Crisis – Financial and Institutional Breakdown
One of Świączkowski’s most serious allegations is the lack of funds to pay judges’ salaries. He claims that the government has deliberately deprived the Constitutional Tribunal of over 10 million PLN, which not only creates financial difficulties but also symbolizes a direct attack on the institution’s independence. Świączkowski stresses that this move is intentional, aimed at weakening the Tribunal, one of the key bodies safeguarding the constitution.
“Over 10 million PLN was deliberately and intentionally taken from the Constitutional Tribunal’s budget for judges’ salaries.”
– Bogdan Świączkowski
According to Świączkowski, this action by the government and the Ministry of Justice represents yet another attempt to undermine the independence of Poland’s legal institutions and establish control over them. He reminds that the Tribunal does not serve political interests but acts in the interest of the citizens, ensuring compliance with the constitution and maintaining the balance of powers.
The International Dimension of Poland’s Rule of Law Crisis
Świączkowski acknowledges that Poland’s legal crisis has also been noticed internationally. Reports from global institutions highlight the serious deterioration of the rule of law in Poland, affecting the country’s reputation on the world stage.
International media, including American and Italian press, are raising alarms about the destruction of Polish state institutions, including the Constitutional Tribunal, due to political entanglements and actions that violate fundamental democratic principles.
“The American press reports that these are not just serious allegations. Italy, America… This truly reflects the situation in Poland.”
– Bogdan Świączkowski
He warns that Poland cannot allow the continued erosion of its institutions, especially in the face of external threats such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
In his view, the ongoing political situation, which undermines the country’s foundations, could lead to further destabilization—one that the entire state structure may not survive.