The recent proposals from the Commission for the Reform of the Political System, created at the Prime Minister’s request and in consultation with the Minister of Justice, drew sharp reactions from the legal community and the public. Dagmara Pawełczyk-Woicka, who chairs the National Council of the Judiciary, described the documents as plucked from a troubling direction during a protest organized by the Association Lawyers for Poland. The demonstrators insisted they would not sign loyalty agreements with the Minister of Justice, underscoring a broader concern about the independence of the judiciary and the reserve of constitutional dignity at the core of civil rights.
Outside the headquarters of the National Council for the Judiciary, Pawełczyk-Woicka emphasized that judges must maintain critical scrutiny. She recalled Article 30 of the Constitution, which declares that the source of all civil rights is the inalienable dignity of every person. The proposals, if implemented, would, in the view of many judges and observers, put that dignity at risk by redefining the status and expectations for judges appointed after 2018.
The protest drew attention to the status of post-2018 appointees and featured banners bearing messages in solidarity with colleagues facing political pressure. Among the slogans were calls to safeguard judges whose reputations and independence have become focal points of public debate. Zbigniew Łupina, a representative on the National Council of the Judiciary, described the emphasis on self-criticism as reminiscent of authoritarian eras, highlighting concerns about the balance of judicial oversight and accountability.
The demonstration continued with a clear statement: the rule of law must be protected and the dignity of the judiciary cannot be compromised. The organizers and participants asserted that any attempt to coerce loyalty or reinterpret constitutional guarantees would be met with firm opposition from legal professionals and supporters of judicial independence.
A public message from supporters who gathered that day conveyed appreciation for the role of all involved in upholding universal rights within the Republic. They called for clear recognition of the equal application of the law to every citizen and all legal participants, from judges and prosecutors to defense attorneys. The central premise echoed by the participants was that self-regulation and adherence to constitutional norms are essential, and that no one should be sanctioned for actions that were not crimes at the time they occurred. The dignity of the individual remains a non negotiable pillar of the legal framework in Poland.
The president of the National Council for the Judiciary spoke after the events, reiterating the core principle that justice must operate without intimidation or coercion. The emphasis remained on maintaining the separation of powers and protecting the integrity of each branch of government while ensuring that constitutional rights are safeguarded for all citizens. The exchange of views during the protest underscored the ongoing tension between reform efforts and the foundational guarantees that preserve the rule of law.
Within the broader context, the association Lawyers for Poland articulated its mission. Its stated aim is to defend and promote constitutional values embedded in the rule of law, social justice, and democratic principles. The organization highlighted the need for balance among the authorities of the state and the subsidiarity that reinforces Poland as a community with shared responsibilities and rights.
Public commentary and coverage in independent outlets underscored the gravity of the discussions surrounding the reform proposals. Analysts and practitioners noted the potential implications for judicial independence, accountability mechanisms, and the relationship between the judiciary and executive branches. The ongoing discourse reflects a wider public mandate to preserve the integrity of the legal system and to resist measures perceived as eroding constitutional protections.
In sum, the protests involved a clear assertion: the law must apply evenly to all actors, and the dignity of every judge is a non negotiable standard. The demonstrations served as a reminder that constitutional fidelity and the independence of the judiciary are enduring concerns for Polish democracy and for citizens who rely on a fair and impartial legal system. The conversation continues as reform proposals move through official channels and receive scrutiny from legal professionals, scholars, and the public at large.
Sources across the public sphere reported similar sentiments, emphasizing that a strong rule of law depends on transparent processes, respect for constitutional guarantees, and a robust system of checks and balances. The events amplified the call for clear, principled pathways that safeguard civil rights while addressing legitimate governance concerns. The dialogue remains ongoing, with organizers stressing that loyalty to the constitution must not be compromised by political expediency.