Sebastian Kaleta, Deputy Minister of Justice, appeared on TV wPolsce.pl to discuss the government’s draft amendment to the Supreme Court Act. He stated that Solidarna Polska will not back the proposal in its current form and that MPs are prepared to vote against the amendment if it passes without changes.
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The deputy minister argued that the proposed law challenges the constitution and risks paralyzing the judiciary. He noted that Solidarna Polska has long warned about this outcome, particularly regarding plans to reform the judiciary through judicial cabinets. He recalled criticism from within the United Right coalition, which he says proved to be unfounded today. With the current wording, Kaleta asserted that Solidarna Polska would reject the law and urged the coalition to rethink its approach, calling for a bold and thorough reform of the justice system. He cautioned that half measures or negotiations with opponents could erode the state’s integrity.
Kaleta spoke during his interview with wPolsce.pl and stressed that the proposed changes would empower factions seen as disruptive within the judiciary, including groups within Iustitia that advocate broader powers for themselves. He warned that the amendment would provide these judges with new tools to influence proceedings, potentially undermining the status of judges. Kaleta cited past episodes where a small cohort of judges had attempted to challenge colleagues, noting that disciplinary actions served as a warning to curb such behavior. He warned that the amendment might legalize similar actions and lead to negative consequences for the Polish judiciary.
The deputy minister also pointed out that the present clash is not solely a result of Justice Ministry reforms or Solidarna Polska’s stance. He argued that the reform framework for the Supreme Court and the National Council of the Judiciary was briefly vetoed by the president and later adopted in a diluted form, a move he attributes to a desire for compromise with the judiciary. Kaleta contended that the same environment now resists genuine compromise and seeks broad, non-democratic authority for itself. He claimed that current efforts aim to deny presidential nominations issued by President Andrzej Duda.
– said Sebastian Kaleta during the interview.
UK