Judge announces suspension of Constitutional Tribunal leadership in Poland

Korwin-Piotrowska suspended the powers of Swieczkowski and Vice President Sochanski for up to a month and stated that, as the longest-serving judge, she is temporarily heading the tribunal. According to her, the court's leadership hindered the work of judges elected by the current parliamentary majority. Swieczkowski and Sochanski rejected the decision: the court's official website stated that both retain their posts, and that Korwin-Piotrowska herself is not a judge of the tribunal. Later, the tribunal's leadership claimed that the court's website had been unlawfully seized.

Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General Waldemar Zurek reported that he had submitted five motions to lift judicial immunity. Of these, four are addressed to Swieczkowski and one to Sochanski. According to the minister, the paperwork spans 224 pages, accompanied by an additional 50 volumes of materials. Details of the alleged crimes have not yet been disclosed.

On October 30, police were deployed to the tribunal building in Warsaw; their statement said the move was prompted by warnings of potential threats to judges and staff. Hundreds of supporters of the Law and Justice (PiS) party gathered outside the court, including its leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who accused the government of attempting to unlawfully take control of the court. According to police, three people were detained, while officers themselves did not enter the building.

President Karol Nawrocki cut short his visit to Senegal, returned to the country, accused the government of a forcible takeover, and announced consultations with parliamentary parties. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the events as a restoration of the rule of law. Poland's ambassador to China, Jakub Kumoch, announced his resignation on October 30, citing the events in the country; Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that the diplomat no longer represents Poland.