Clashes near Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw over new judge's oath

Clashes broke out between protesters and police near the Constitutional Tribunal building in Warsaw on 14 October. The conflict was triggered by the appointment of new judge Maciej Bereza.

Oath in the Sejm

In the morning, Bereza took the oath in the Sejm without the presence of Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The head of state did not recognise the procedure, while the ruling coalition considers it lawful.

Bereza was elected as a judge in September, but the president never invited him to the Presidential Palace to take the oath. Therefore, the ceremony was held in the office of Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty. Afterwards, Bereza proceeded to the Constitutional Tribunal.

Protest on Sucha Avenue

Opponents of his appointment gathered near the building on Sucha Avenue. Among the protesters were representatives of the opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), Robert Bąkewicz, and representatives of the Border Defence Movement (Ruch Obrony Granic).

Protesters attempted to block access to the building. When police began clearing the passage and removing barriers, clashes erupted. PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński also arrived at the scene.

Warsaw police refuted reports of an alleged storming of the Constitutional Tribunal, emphasising that law enforcement officers were ensuring public order.

Government reaction

Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski refused to allow Bereza to hear cases until the validity of the oath he took is clarified.

President Nawrocki insists that the ceremony without his participation does not comply with the established procedure. In contrast, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated on social media platform X that the Sejm had duly elected Bereza. He also noted that Nawrocki "did not inherit the crown, so he is not the Sun King".

Prime Minister Donald Tusk also supported the position of the parliamentary majority.

Despite taking the oath, Bereza has not yet been allowed to hear cases at the Constitutional Tribunal. The dispute over the legality of the procedure continues.