31 October 2026
Events that unfolded overnight between 30 and 31 October 2026 at the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw have raised serious concerns about respect for Poland’s constitutional order and the functioning of the country’s most important state institutions.
The President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, issued an official statement addressing the situation, describing it as a violation of Poland’s constitutional order and the forcible seizure of a constitutional state body.
Statement by the President of the Republic of Poland
The President stated that he had consulted with the First President of the Supreme Court, Zbigniew Kapiński, who, according to the statement, likewise does not recognise as lawful the actions undertaken by those seeking to assume authority within the Constitutional Tribunal.
President Nawrocki called for the restoration of the legal order and for the security forces deployed by the government to leave the premises of the Constitutional Tribunal.
He also announced that he had facilitated the entry into the Tribunal’s building of Judge Bartłomiej Sochański, whom he identified as the lawfully serving Vice-President of the Constitutional Tribunal.
In response to the situation, the President convened urgent consultations with representatives of parliamentary forces. The purpose of these consultations is to stabilise the political situation and restore constitutional order.
Karol Nawrocki also thanked everyone present at the Constitutional Tribunal who, as he emphasised, were standing in defence of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland.
The Constitution and the Rule of Law – Foundations of a Democratic State
The situation surrounding the Constitutional Tribunal represents another stage in the deep dispute over the functioning of Poland’s judicial system, the status of judges and the methods being used to restore the rule of law.
The positions of the President and the government differ fundamentally on this matter. Government representatives point to the need to restore the proper functioning of the Tribunal, while the President and his representatives question the legality of the actions taken against the institution’s leadership.
In such serious circumstances, constitutional principles become particularly important: the principle of legality, the independence of state institutions, the separation of powers and the obligation of public authorities to act on the basis of, and within the limits of, the law.
Regardless of political differences, neither an institution nor any individual exercising public authority can place themselves above the Constitution.
The Position of Polish Sue Association
Polish Sue Association, as an organisation dedicated to historical remembrance, civic education and strengthening relations between Poland and the United Kingdom, considers respect for the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and the principles of the rule of law to be matters of fundamental importance.
Poland’s history has repeatedly demonstrated the enormous price society pays when the law is disregarded, the independence of institutions is restricted and the state is subordinated to short-term political interests.
We must remember the experience of the communist era, when institutional independence, civil liberties and fundamental human rights were systematically restricted. Historical memory places upon us a particular responsibility to protect the democratic foundations of modern Poland.
This is not about the interests of one political party, one political camp or any particular group. It is about the state, its citizens and the principles upon which the Republic of Poland is founded.
We call for respect for the Constitution, compliance with the law, protection of the independence of state institutions and the resolution of constitutional disputes through the procedures established by law.
It is particularly important that the current conflict does not lead to further escalation of social and political tensions.
The Constitution cannot be applied selectively. The rule of law must not depend on who happens to be in power.
Poland needs stability, responsibility and respect for the law.
🇵🇱 In defence of the Constitution. In defence of the rule of law. In the interests of the future of the Republic of Poland.
Polish Sue Association
Founded in London in 2016 in memory of Lady Sue Ryder of Warsaw, Polish Sue Association works to promote history, education, national remembrance and Polish-British relations.
Source: Official statement by the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, dated 31 October 2026.
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