Polish premier pledges to restore rule of law amid courtroom protests

Donald Tusk vowed to restore the rule of law as tensions over judicial independence boiled over at the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw. Police dismantled barricades erected by right-wing supporters, leading to a brief scuffle. Tusk pledged that local authorities, police and the prosecutor’s office would act to ensure the tribunal functions properly.

Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek announced a criminal probe into the protestors’ actions. President Karol Nawrocki declined to confirm the appointment of Judge Maciej Berek, prompting criticism from the government. PiS-linked tribunal president Bogdan Swieczkowski said Berek could not sit on cases until the president acted, while Tusk assured that the new judges would soon be protected and able to work.