Tusk backs Constitutional Tribunal as Poland's political crisis deepens

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has pledged support for the Constitutional Tribunal amid an escalating political crisis in the country, Reuters reported on October 31. Tusk stated the Tribunal will operate in accordance with the law, emphasizing the executive branch's duty to ensure its security and working conditions. The crisis deepened after President Karol Nawrocki refused to swear in three of six judges appointed by Tusk's government, and on October 30, the Tribunal's head and deputy were removed from their posts. Police entered the Tribunal building following incidents, and Nawrocki, who cut short a visit to Senegal, clashed with judges inside. He denounced a "violent takeover" and called urgent consultations. Opposition leader Mateusz Morawiecki proposed a no-confidence vote against Tusk's government and a technical administration until new elections.