Poland’s justice minister begins overhaul of judiciary, removes dozens of officials

Poland’s newly appointed Minister of Justice, Waldemar Żurek, has launched a sweeping shake-up of the country’s judiciary, removing dozens of officials and calling for further dismissals in a bid to restore what he describes as the rule of law.

Żurek announced that nine individuals delegated to the Ministry of Justice have been dismissed, with another nomination pending approval. In addition, 46 court presidents and vice presidents across the country have been removed from their posts. He said the goal is to ensure that upcoming judicial reforms are not obstructed from within, Caliber.Az reports, citing Polish media. 

The minister justified the dismissals by expressing concern that some judges had previously supported or benefited from what he described as an unconstitutional restructuring of the National Council of the Judiciary (KRS). He emphasised that judges should not only apply the law but also uphold constitutional principles.

Żurek also called on the Minister of Interior to consider removing 44 judges serving as election commissioners, citing concerns about their impartiality and previous procedural violations. While acknowledging that not all had made mistakes, he argued that those overseeing elections must be beyond reproach.

Among those dismissed were members of the KRS’s program council, individuals involved in previous controversial judicial nominations, and a representative of the Justice Ministry. The former disciplinary spokesman under previous minister Zbigniew Ziobro was also removed, and Żurek has urged newly appointed spokespeople to review their deputies.

He clarified that the removal of court leaders is currently a suspension, pending formal decisions by the National Council of the Judiciary. However, he expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the current KRS, saying it does not conform to constitutional requirements.

Żurek also addressed concerns about the integrity of recent presidential elections, pledging to review any citizen-submitted reports alleging irregularities. He stated that while mistakes are inevitable in any election, deliberate fraud is a separate matter that warrants investigation.

Following his appointment, Żurek withdrew personal lawsuits he had filed against the State Treasury. He concluded by reiterating his commitment to restoring judicial independence, stressing that there would be no political favouritism under his leadership.

By Sabina Mammadli