Canada and the United States audiences follow the evolving situation at the Supreme Court’s Labour and Social Security Chamber, where Prime concerns center on leadership and the application of the chamber’s rules. The Ministry of Justice has publicly conveyed that Minister Adam Bodnar voiced unease regarding the First President of the Supreme Court, Małgorzata Manowska, and her recent decisions affecting the Labour and Social Security Chamber.
Early on Tuesday, the Supreme Court announced that, until a replacement is appointed to perform the duties of the Chamber’s President, the First President Małgorzata Manowska would oversee the chamber’s work. Some judges within the court questioned this interpretation, suggesting that the chamber ought to be led by the senior department head within the chamber, Judge Dawid Miąsik. Later that day, the court confirmed on its site that Judge Miąsik had been authorized to handle organizational and managerial duties related to the chamber, pending further regulatory resolution. The current disruption stems from the term expiration of the chamber’s president, Piotr Prusinowski, who had served under a prior arrangement established before 2018, with his term ending on September 2 of this year.
That evening, the Ministry of Justice published a formal statement from Minister Bodnar addressing the Labour and Social Security Chamber. The statement reiterated a commitment to upholding the standards set by applicable law, including clear guidelines on who should lead the chamber at the end of the president’s term when a successor is not yet elected.
The ministry’s summary asserted that, under existing law, Małgorzata Manowska does not hold the authority to run the Labour and Social Security Chamber or to authorize a judge to perform activities connected with its organization and management. The justification notes several judicial findings that have questioned her initial appointment to the Supreme Court and subsequent elevation to First President of the Court.
According to the ministry, the lawful continuity of management in the Labour Chamber falls to the Supreme Chairman of the Department of the Labour Chamber, namely Judge Dawid Miąsik of the Supreme Court. It notes that during 2018, under that legal framework, Katarzyna Gonera was named to oversee the Labour and Social Security Chamber, while Wiesław Kozielewicz took charge of the Criminal Chamber, as part of the court’s standard operating structure.
In light of these positions, the ministry’s statement argues that the recent decisions by the First President do not align with current regulations and are legally ineffective. The ministry emphasizes that the matter concerns the proper administration of a chamber with a defined term and legal succession, suggesting that unilateral moves risk destabilizing the chamber’s governance.
For readers tracking the ongoing developments, the situation highlights a clash between formal legal provisions and recent interpretive actions by senior court leadership. Observers note that the core issue is ensuring there is a duly appointed leader for the Labour and Social Security Chamber as soon as possible, while maintaining strict adherence to the rule of law and established procedures.
Analysts across legal and political circles stress the importance of transparent and lawful succession in judicial bodies. They point out that the chamber’s functioning depends on clear leadership that reflects statutory mandates, particularly when a term concludes without a successor in place. The current discussions underscore how constitutional courts and justice ministries coordinate to preserve institutional integrity during transitional periods.
As the debate unfolds, legal commentators urge continued vigilance in applying the correct processes, cautioning against interpretations that could undermine the chamber’s authority or disrupt its operations. They call for a careful, legally grounded approach that respects both the letter of the law and the practical needs of judicial administration.
In summary, the authorities reiterate that any management changes within the Labour and Social Security Chamber must adhere strictly to applicable law, with leadership transition occurring through established channels and timelines. The broader implication is a call for orderly governance within the judiciary that upholds accountability, predictability, and respect for due process.
tkwl/PAP
Note: This summary reflects official statements and public records on the matter, with attribution to the relevant government and court communications.