European Commission backs Tusk government in Polish court dispute

The European Commission has sided with Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government in a dispute over Poland's Constitutional Tribunal, stating that parliament has the right to appoint judges. The conflict escalated after President Karol Nawrocki refused to swear in judges selected by the parliamentary majority. Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath emphasized that the tribunal must function according to Poland's constitution and EU Court practice, and that the national parliament has the right to appoint judges. Nawrocki, backed by the Law and Justice party, called the government's actions an illegal attempt to seize the court. The crisis intensified on October 30 when police blocked the tribunal building and its leadership was suspended. Nawrocki cut short a trip to Senegal and forced his way into the building overnight. Tusk has accused pro-Russian forces and bots of interfering. Polish parliamentary elections are scheduled for autumn 2027.