EU backs Polish parliament's right to appoint Constitutional Tribunal judges

The European Commission stated that Poland's parliament has the constitutional right to appoint Constitutional Tribunal judges, responding to the escalating conflict over the court. The Commission is closely monitoring the situation and reminded that appointing five judges falls under the Sejm's constitutional powers. It urged Polish authorities to ensure the Tribunal functions per Poland's Constitution and EU Court practice, referencing a May 5, 2026 European Court of Human Rights ruling. The crisis stems from a 2014 dispute, with protests erupting in Warsaw on October 30 after a judge ordered the suspension of the Tribunal's president. Opposition politicians accused the government of a "coup," while Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged to restore rule of law.