Why is Poland witnessing a judicial crisis? Explained

AI Summary

Poland is facing a judicial crisis amid disputes over court appointments and institutional reforms. Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government has struggled to advance legislation because President Karol Nawrocki can veto it, and Nawrocki has declined to swear in four judges appointed by the Sejm, citing alleged selection flaws.

Mr. Tusk, who came back to power in 2023 promising to undo the PiS reforms, had found it virtually impossible to push any legislation given the veto power held by President Nawrocki and his predecessor Andrzej Duda, both PiS allies. Mr. Nawrocki has also declined to swear in four of six judges appointed to the court by a majority in the Sejm, the Polish lower house, alleging flaws in their selection procedure