Crisis escalates in Poland: Police surround the Constitutional Tribunal

Crisis Escalates in Poland: Police Surround Constitutional Court October 31, 2026—Police deployed on Friday night (10.30.2026) around the Constitutional Court in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, after the suspension of the court's president was announced amid a tug-of-war between the nationalist right that appointed him and the current centrist government. Dozens of riot police blocked access to the premises for numerous followers of the national-conservative Law and Justice party (PiS, opposition), who have been protesting for weeks in support of the supreme judges against the government, an AFP journalist reported. According to Warsaw police, three people were detained for jumping the fence and breaking into the compound while officers contained the protesters. Donald Tusk's administration wants to force his removal. The President of the Republic, the nationalist Karol Nawrocki, announced that he had interrupted a flight to Senegal to return urgently to Warsaw. Considered by the EU as being too dependent on political power, the Constitutional Court has been one of the main points of contention between Brussels and the nationalists. Since returning to power in 2023, Donald Tusk, former head of the European Council, has promised to resolve the crisis. So far in vain, as the head of state obstructs his government's nominations to the court. "Restoring the rule of law is our duty," Tusk declared on X. Court Denounces "a Coup d'État" Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska announced the suspension of the controversial court president, Bogdan Swieczkowski. The Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General announced in a press conference that he has requested the lifting of immunity for Swieczkowski as well as for his deputy, Bartlomiej Sochanski. For the moment, confusion reigns. On Friday night, the court's website was inaccessible, but on its official account, the court denounced "a coup d'état." The account claims that President Swieczkowski remains in office and emphasizes that Korwin-Piotrowska cannot assume the interim position as she has not taken the oath before the president of the republic. "Tusk, traitor!" shouted PiS supporters in front of the court, AFP reported. Back in the capital, Nawrocki held a meeting with Swieczkowski and the first president of the court, Zbigniew Kapinski, at the presidential palace. No details were provided regarding any possible measures. mg (afp, dpa)