Poland's political crisis deepens as police block Constitutional Tribunal, President Nawrocki calls urgent talks

Poland's political crisis escalated Friday as riot police blocked access to the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw amid a dispute over judicial appointments, prompting President Karol Nawrocki to convene urgent consultations with parliamentary leaders on Saturday. The conflict stems from nationalist PiS party's politically aligned judge appointments in 2015, which triggered EU criticism. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in power since 2023, seeks to reform the tribunal but faces President Nawrocki's refusal to approve new nominations. Friday's police deployment followed a budget vote deadlock, with the justice minister requesting the tribunal president's immunity be lifted. Nawrocki, who cut short a trip to Senegal, was filmed allegedly pushing judges at the tribunal. PiS supporters protest what they call a "coup d'état," while two judges claim the tribunal presidency. Polish ambassadors to China and Romania have resigned amid the turmoil.