Poland's Constitutional Tribunal crisis deepens as judge suspends leadership

Poland faces a political crisis after judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska suspended the Constitutional Tribunal's leadership for one month, prompting President Karol Nawrocki to denounce a "forced takeover" and call urgent talks with parliamentary parties. Nawrocki cut short a trip to Senegal after Friday's suspension of Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski and his deputy, with Korwin-Piotrowska assuming interim control. Hundreds protested outside the court, leading to clashes and police mobilization. Prime Minister Donald Tusk backed the suspension as necessary for restoring rule of law. The crisis stems from a dispute over five judges appointed by parliament but not recognized by Nawrocki, who refuses to swear them in. The Tribunal, long accused of politicization under the previous PiS government, has seen its rulings ignored by Tusk's coalition government since 2023.