European Commission backs Tusk in court dispute with Polish president

Polish President Karol Nawrocki pushed his way through protesters and into the country's top court around midnight, the latest escalation in his conflict with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The move comes amid a dispute over the rule of law in Poland. Politico Europe's headline says the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, is backing Tusk, who has vowed not to compromise with the president.

Wider tension

The two leaders have clashed on other issues in recent weeks. In October, Poland's government voted to ease abortion laws. Nawrocki is aligned with the party whose strict abortion limits triggered mass protests five years ago, and he could veto the government's bills.

Also in October, police arrested a second man over threats against Tusk. The 46-year-old suspect allegedly posted messages on Facebook and TikTok calling for the prime minister to be killed.

Tusk also faced an electoral setback when independent candidate Łukasz Gibała won the mayoral race in Kraków. The result was a blow to the prime minister, although the mayor-elect will have to work with Poland's ruling parties.

The source material does not spell out which court rulings or appointments lie at the centre of the dispute, so those details remain unclear.