Actions trigger reactions. Even with a mandate to govern, authorities cannot breach the law, trample institutions, or undermine democracy, stated PiS MP Piotr Gliński to PAP in reference to Saturday’s protest before the Constitutional Tribunal.
In Warsaw, the Saturday gathering named the Free Poles Protest took place in front of the Constitutional Tribunal. It was organized by the Gazeta Polska Clubs and connected to proposed changes in the Constitutional Court announced by the ruling coalition. Among those participating were PiS figures, including party chairman Jarosław Kaczyński.
The protestors believe the nation is currently contesting the Tribunal. Without a genuinely independent Constitutional Tribunal, the rule of law is at stake, and the Constitution cannot be respected as a fundamental act. They argue that the same individuals who once wore shirts bearing the word Constitution are now undermining it in a way that feels unprecedented.
– Kaczyński told the audience.
Gliński admitted to PAP that the turnout exceeded his expectations.
Any action, especially one as forceful as seizing democratic institutions, must not break the law, destroy the foundations of democracy, or overstep the government’s mandate. Such moves provoke a natural counterreaction, he suggested.
– he added.
The PiS member also warned that this grassroots protest could swell and draw more groups into the fold. Farmers across Poland are already voicing dissent, and there are indications that teachers have been misled. He predicted that youth participation would rise in time.
– he stated.
Gliński argued that in the 21st century it is impossible to impose authoritarian rule by force or to openly violate the law or the constitution.
People are not afraid, and the sentiment is that society will mobilize further.
– he argued.
When questioned about the coalition’s proposed resolutions on the Constitutional Tribunal, Gliński described the measures as an attempt to advance the changes they announced. He called the idea of altering the Polish constitutional system to undermine the Tribunal both ridiculous and tragic. He recalled the Tribunal’s varied history, noting professors and post-communist figures once participated and that its current operations have been shaped by a long-standing tradition of applying written requests. He asserted that the Tribunal has served Poland in meaningful ways, even through shifts in its personnel and approach.
– he said.
The destruction of TK
Gliński asserted that the Constitutional Tribunal is undergoing destruction through actions he considers illegal.
He stated that it is the duty of politicians, who hold mandates from voters, to organize protests and other lawful expressions of disagreement without violence.
– he added.
On Friday, Sejm Marshal Szymon Hołownia announced that a meeting had taken place the previous day at the home of Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, with participants from all political spectrums.
There was talk of addressing doubts about amending the Constitution.
– he noted.
Hołownia emphasized that a resolution on the Constitutional Tribunal should be adopted, clearly addressing the status of dual judges and the leadership of Julia Przyłębska, while suggesting that political journalism should be restrained and framed by bills and constitutional amendments to break the deadlock surrounding the Tribunal. He expressed a desire to discuss this at the next Sejm session.
– he added.
The next Sejm session is scheduled for February 21–23.
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mly/PAP
Source: wPolityce