Poland’s newly elected president proposes major constitutional overhaul

Poland’s newly elected president, Karol Nawrocki, has announced plans for sweeping changes to the country’s constitution, with proposals set to alter almost every section of the nation’s fundamental law.

Nawrocki will establish a council at the turn of September and October to draft the new constitution, Caliber.Az reports via Polish media.

The council will be chaired by Dariusz Dudek, the president’s newly appointed adviser.

Sources say the reforms aim to significantly expand presidential powers and reshape the judiciary. Among the planned changes is a revision of the article governing the National Council of the Judiciary, clarifying its powers, operational procedures, and the election of its members.

Nawrocki’s team also seeks to enshrine a ban preventing judges from engaging in any political activity.

Other proposed amendments include measures to strengthen border protection, enhance the role of local government, and guarantee the preservation of Poland’s national currency.

Draft proposals will be presented at the Law and Justice party’s autumn congress, with constitutional matters overseen by Przemysław Czarnek and Bartłomiej Wróblewski.

Nawrocki, 42, assumed office on August 6, 2025. A historian by training, Nawrocki earned his PhD from the University of Gdańsk in 2013 with a thesis on anti-communist resistance in the Elbląg region.

His academic career includes roles as the director of the Museum of the Second World War (2017–2021) and president of the Institute of National Remembrance (2021–2025).

Nawrocki won the presidency in a closely contested runoff against liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, securing 50.89% of the vote. His campaign was endorsed by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party and supported by U.S. President Donald Trump.

As president, Nawrocki has pledged to implement a nationalist agenda, including constitutional reforms to expand presidential powers, restrict judicial independence, and strengthen border protections.

He has also advocated for a more assertive foreign policy, including a veto on Ukraine's EU membership and demands for WWII reparations from Germany.

By Aghakazim Guliyev