Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed concern over what he describes as an unprecedented attack on the Constitutional Tribunal, claiming that it poses a direct threat to the nation’s legal security. In a message read at a conference titled “Quo Vadis, Poland? Defending the Democratic Rule of Law,” Duda highlighted the critical role of the Tribunal in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Concerns Over Non-Compliance
The President emphasized that the Tribunal’s rulings, while often sparking political debate, must be respected by all branches of government. He condemned the executive branch’s refusal to publish certain Tribunal rulings, arguing this approach undermines legal order and jeopardizes fundamental human rights. Duda warned that ignoring these rulings disrupts the established standards of human rights protection in Poland.
Duda also stressed the importance of maintaining the Tribunal’s independence, urging other government bodies to create conditions that support the Tribunal’s constitutional duties. He questioned the motives of those in power, suggesting they may prioritize political maneuvering over genuine support for democratic principles.
Following a parliamentary resolution in March addressing past constitutional crises, the publication of Tribunal rulings has been suspended. The Tribunal, however, later ruled that the resolution itself was unconstitutional, deepening the rift between government branches.