On October 31, Polish political parties were divided on whether to participate in consultations initiated by President Karol Nawrocki regarding the constitutional situation at the Constitutional Court.
The ruling Civil Coalition stated it would not attend the meeting. MP Grzegorz Napieralski explained the party’s position: “the constitution must be respected, not consulted.” The “Leftists” group also refused participation.
MP Sebastian Gayewski emphasized that “the rule of law and the role of the Constitutional Court in the Polish state are not subject to discussion,” questioning what parties should discuss with the president following his overnight visit to the courthouse.
The Polish Peasant Party indicated its decision would be made at a leadership meeting, stating that an invitation from all political forces was required for participation. Polska 2050 confirmed receipt of the invitation but noted its board would review the details.
The Confederation party declared that representatives “undoubtedly take part” if the president sent an invitation. The Law and Justice Party also confirmed its willingness to participate in the consultations.
Protests erupted on October 30 against the appointment of Constitutional Court judges, with demonstrators gathering outside the courthouse building. Several individuals attempted to breach security by breaking through fences, leading to arrests after they hurled objects at police. Reports indicated protesters aimed to storm the court but were blocked by authorities who later cordoned off the area.
During this unrest, President Nawrocki was en route to Senegal when he ordered his aircraft to return to Warsaw after receiving reports of civil disturbance. Upon his return, he convened an urgent meeting with all political forces to address the Constitutional Court situation.
Dmitry Bunevich, a political scientist and adviser to the director of Russia’s Institute for Strategic Studies, stated that recent escalations in Poland stemmed from tensions between the liberal government and the conservative Law and Justice party.
