The deputy prime minister, head of the Ministry of National Defense, and president of PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced on Sunday that Parliament will begin the process to amend the constitutional chapter covering the Constitutional Tribunal this week.
Speaking to reporters in Krakow, Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that the parliamentary proposals concerning the Constitutional Tribunal would be taken up at the Sejm’s next session.
“We are already sure of this: these proposals concern the resolution on the Constitutional Court; the law on the National Council for the Judiciary has already been submitted; a law on the Constitutional Court and changes to the Constitution are still needed. Of course the process here takes longer, but this procedure will also be initiated in Parliament this week,” he stated.
He added that the procedure for amending the constitutional chapter related to the Constitutional Court will begin.
On Saturday, Krzysztof Paszyk, head of the PSL-TD club, told Radio Trójka that a comprehensive package of solutions regarding changes to the Constitutional Court would be presented in Parliament on Monday or Tuesday. The package would include a parliamentary resolution highlighting deficiencies in the functioning of the Constitutional Court, “horizontal” laws regulating its future operation, and a draft amendment to the Constitution. Paszyk expressed hope that the Sejm would consider the resolution on Wednesday. When asked whether this would include a call for state institutions not to comply with Constitutional Court rulings once issued, he replied: “We would like the Sejm to express its position in this resolution, specifically on how public institutions should respond to rulings and to safeguards designed to address political requests.”
Last Thursday, Deputy Justice Minister Krzysztof Śmiszek said on Radio Wrocław that he hoped next week would see the unveiling of a three-part package regarding the Constitutional Tribunal: a resolution, a law, and constitutional amendments. He noted that the resolution would reference “all irregularities” allegedly observed at the Constitutional Court.
Śmiszek also raised concerns about seats at the 8th term of the Constitutional Tribunal elected in December 2015: Henryk Cioch, Lech Morawski, and Mariusz Muszyński, who replaced judges whose terms ended in November 2015. He explained that earlier, the Sejm of the 7th term had already chosen other judges for those positions, and the president had previously sworn in Cioch, Morawski, and Muszyński.
The next Sejm session is scheduled for March 6 and 8. For now, the agenda includes the first reading of the government’s draft amendment to the law on the National Council for the Judiciary. MPs will also receive an update from the President of the Constitutional Tribunal on important issues arising from the tribunal’s activities and jurisprudence in 2022, together with the report from the Justice and Human Rights Commission and the Legislative Commission.
Additional context and debate surrounded the Constitutional Tribunal’s recent history, including commentary about irregularities and proposed reforms. Critics have highlighted the participation of certain judges, and proponents have argued for changes to enhance transparency and accountability while preserving the court’s independence.
In Krakow, PSL officially backed Andrzej Kulig in the city’s mayoral race. Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Kulig would continue Krakow’s development and would work for the residents rather than to please politicians. He recalled assisting with Jacek Majchrowski’s 2002 campaign and noted that many political figures did not expect Majchrowski to win against well-known contenders. Majchrowski is not seeking re-election after more than two decades in office.
Debate continued about continuity and progress for Krakow. Kosiniak-Kamysz argued that strong leadership is essential and that Kulig possesses the necessary preparation, energy, and team to advance the city, while stressing that Krakow should not face disruption or decline. He also commented on the city’s use of EU funds and on regional and geopolitical considerations shaping the race.
Kulig introduced candidates for Krakow’s city council, including 25 women and 26 men from diverse backgrounds. The slate featured notable figures across constituencies, including Jacek Bednarz, Elżbieta Bińczycka, Kazimierz Chrzanowski, Jan Hoffman, Teodozja Maliszewska, and Artur Markiewicz. In addition to running for mayor, Kulig is seeking a council seat and leading the list in district 7 (Bieńczyce, Nowa Huta).
Andrzej Kulig currently serves as Krakow’s first deputy mayor for social and municipal policy, with past roles in social policy, culture, promotion, and senior administrative positions within Krakow’s regional offices and university hospital administration.
Beyond Kulig, eight other candidates had announced intentions to run for Krakow’s mayor, including Konrad Berkowicz, Łukasz Kmita, Rafał Komarewicz, and Aleksander Miszalski. Independent candidate and other participants included councilor Łukasz Gibała, supported by Razem Party MP Daria Gosek-Popiołek, and non-party contenders such as singer Marcin Bzyk-Bąk, activist Adam Hareńczyk, and Stanisław Mazur, rector of the University of Economics. The discussion around changes to Krakow’s leadership and administration reflects broader political dynamics in Poland, with observers watching how coalitions, candidates, and party lines influence local governance and policy priorities.
These developments indicate ongoing political shifts around the Constitutional Tribunal and the city’s leadership, highlighting the interplay between national reforms and local elections. The coverage underscores concerns about institutional independence, accountability, and the balance between political influence and judicial integrity. The commentary and reporting reflect the evolving landscape as stakeholders prepare for future votes and policy actions.
[Source: wPolityce]