Poland's top court crisis shapes battle lines ahead of the 2027 election
Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk are locked in a dispute over the country's top court. The European Commission has backed Tusk, sharpening political divisions before the 2027 election.
A conflict between Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by conservative forces, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk over the country's top court is intensifying. The dispute is part of a wider rule-of-law struggle and is drawing the political battle lines ahead of the 2027 election.
Commission backs Tusk
European Commissioner Michael McGrath told POLITICO that appointing new judges lies within the power of the Sejm, the Polish parliament. The Commission's position supports Tusk, who vows there will be no compromise in the court showdown. The report was published on 1 November.
President enters the court
On 31 October, around midnight, Nawrocki made his way through protesters into the top court. The move is described as the latest escalation in his conflict with Tusk.
Other flashpoints
On 20 October, the government voted to ease abortion laws, a challenge to the conservative president. Nawrocki is aligned with the party whose abortion clampdown triggered mass protests five years ago, and he could veto the government's bills.
On 13 October, Poland also 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.
