Key facts
- Poland's parliament voted to appoint Maciej Berek to the Constitutional Tribunal.
- Berek was previously Minister for Government Policy Implementation and is considered a close ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
- Critics within Tusk's ruling coalition argue the appointment undermines judicial reform efforts.
- President Karol Nawrocki has expressed reservations about Berek's candidacy.
- Prosecutors are investigating the alleged unlawful prevention of judges from taking their posts.
Poland's parliament has voted to appoint Maciej Berek, a close associate of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, to the Constitutional Tribunal. Berek, who until August served as Minister for Government Policy Implementation, is seen by critics as a symbol of the 'revolving door' between politics and the judiciary, a practice the current coalition vowed to end.
The appointment has created tension within Tusk's ruling coalition, which has pledged to reform a judicial system it argues was politicized under the previous Law and Justice (PiS) administration. While Tusk has described Berek as competent and brave, members of left-wing and center-right parties within the government have voiced concerns about hypocrisy, particularly given past legislative efforts to prevent politicians from directly entering judicial posts.
Critics like Anna Maria Zukowska of the Left party and Jakub Jaraczewski of Democracy Reporting International have called the move a mistake, arguing it mirrors the actions of the former PiS government. Berek, however, has defended his appointment, stating that the coalition's actions aim to restore constitutional order.
Meanwhile, prosecutors announced they intend to question President Karol Nawrocki as a witness in an investigation into the alleged unlawful prevention of judges from assuming their duties. Nawrocki had previously agreed to hear only two out of six judges nominated by parliament swear their oath of office, effectively blocking the others. He has also expressed doubts about Berek's candidacy, stating the tribunal does not need another politician.