An important statement on the rule of law and judicial independence in Poland.

REKLAMA

For my international colleagues following recent developments in the Polish judiciary, I would like to share the following statement issued by Professor Jacek Chlebny, President of Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court, concerning the unprecedented events at the Constitutional Tribunal on 30 October 2026.

His words deserve particular attention, not least because they remind us of a fundamental principle: the restoration of the rule of law must itself be pursued in accordance with the rule of law.

Below is an English translation of the statement in full:

“I view with great concern the events that took place at the Constitutional Tribunal on 30 October 2026, particularly the presence of the Police around its headquarters and the prevention of the Tribunal’s President and Vice-President from entering its premises. These events were unprecedented and raise fundamental concerns as to their compatibility with the basic principles of the rule of law.

I am convinced that building public trust in, and restoring the authority of, the Constitutional Tribunal requires urgent action. The continued situation in which the Tribunal’s judgments are not published, while doubts concerning its composition and leadership are raised in public debate, undermines public trust in the State. It is essential to reach a genuine compromise across political divides in order to restore the Tribunal’s authority and credibility.

Any measures taken must be beyond doubt as to their legality. They must comply with the existing legal order, particularly by respecting the constitutionally guaranteed independence of the Tribunal. The limits of action by public authorities are defined by constitutional principles and respect for human dignity. These limits have been crossed.

Out of concern for the democratic future of our homeland, I appeal for all problems relating to the functioning of courts and tribunals in the Republic of Poland to be resolved with due respect for constitutional principles and with full guarantees of citizens’ rights and freedoms.”

Professor Jacek Chlebny
President of the Supreme Administrative Court of Poland

Read the full official statement by Professor Jacek Chlebny, President of Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court, on the NSA website: https://www.nsa.gov.pl/aktualnosci/wydarzenia/oswiadczenie-prezesa-nsa-w-zwiazku-z-wydarzeniami-w-dniu-30-pazdziernika-2026-r-w-trybunale-konstytucyjnym/?utm_source=chatgpt.com