President may block former minister Berek’s bid for Constitutional Court seat, spokesperson says
A parliamentary committee approved Maciej Berek’s candidacy for the Constitutional Tribunal, but the president’s spokesperson raised doubts about his eligibility.
On Thursday, the Sejm’s Justice and Human Rights Committee endorsed Maciej Berek, a former minister and close collaborator of Donald Tusk, for appointment to the Constitutional Tribunal. The coalition government hopes his election would give it a majority of eight out of fifteen judges. However, the president’s spokesperson, Rafał Leśkiewicz, highlighted legal questions about Berek’s suitability, citing criticism from former tribunal presidents and civil-society groups.
He also noted that the president will determine whether to receive Berek’s oath, a decision that will be announced later. The final parliamentary vote is set for Friday, but some coalition MPs are reluctant to support the nomination, citing pre-election promises to depoliticise the court. If Berek is not sworn in, four judges appointed in March remain without the ability to sit, after President Karol Nawrocki declined to accept their oaths.
Why it matters
The appointment could shift the balance of Poland's Constitutional Tribunal and affect its independence.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTBoth camps note that Berek’s appointment is controversial and seen as politicising the court, but right-leaning coverage stresses the split vote, internal dissent and frames the move as a loyalist power grab, while centrist coverage simply reports the appointment and mentions critics’ concerns about breaking the depoliticisation pledge.
CENTER
Reports the appointment of Berek, labels him the prime minister’s “right-hand man”, and notes critics’ claim that the nomination breaches the government’s pledge to depoliticise the court.
RIGHT
Highlights the divided parliamentary vote and dissenting coalition members, accusing the prime minister of politicising the court by installing a loyalist to influence future decisions.
The right emphasises
- Four coalition-aligned MPs voted against Berek, showing a split.
- Critics say the appointment places a loyalist in the court to affect EU budget ratification, presidential veto power, and future constitutional matters.
In this story
