Poland's Constitutional Tribunal crisis deepens as border operation begins

Political tension has escalated in Poland, a NATO and European Union member, after police entered the grounds of the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw on Friday, 30 October. The tribunal is the court that reviews whether laws comply with the constitution. Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government and the opposition have long been in conflict over its work and the way judges are appointed. Police said they acted on information from judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska about possible threats to the lives and health of judges and staff, as well as a risk of public order disruption.

The crisis continues

On Saturday, President Karol Nawrocki summoned representatives of the parties sitting in parliament to emergency consultations. Politicians are weighing whether to attend. The suspended tribunal president, Bogdan Święczkowski, said he would try to enter the building again, while police continue to monitor the surroundings. Poland's ambassadors to China and Romania, Jakub Kumoch and Paweł Soloch, have announced their resignations. Soloch cited what he saw as an unlawful attempt to take over the tribunal.

Operation near the Russian border

Polish police chief Mariusz Boroń told radio station RMF FM on Monday that a special operation had begun in areas bordering Russia's Kaliningrad region. It follows warnings from Poland's military intelligence and allied services about possible attempts by armed groups to cross the border. The operation covers the Warmian-Masurian and Podlaskie voivodeships and involves police, the army, border guards, special services and counter-terrorism units. Boroń stressed that the measures are preventive and denied any link to the political crisis.

Impact on the Baltics

Māris Andžāns, director of the Geopolitics Research Centre, believes the events should not significantly affect Baltic security. He notes that the government and opposition agree on policy toward Russia and aid to the Baltics, and Polish troops remain deployed in Latvia. Parliamentary elections are due next year, and presidential elections in 2030.