LIVE: Police and Protesters Clash Over Poland Court Suspension
WARSAW, October 31, 2026: Police and protesters gathered outside Poland’s Constitutional Court in Warsaw following the suspension of its president, Bogdan Święczkowski, escalating an ongoing political confrontation over the country's judicial system.
The suspension, announced on Friday, October 30, has triggered strong reactions from opposition supporters and intensified tensions between Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government and the right-wing Law and Justice Party (PiS).
Hundreds of demonstrators assembled outside the court, protesting against the removal of Święczkowski, who was appointed during the previous PiS-led government. Several opposition politicians joined the gathering, accusing the government of interfering with the independence of the judiciary.
Police officers were deployed to secure the court premises as tensions increased. Authorities reported that three people had been detained following incidents involving protesters attempting to enter the court complex and throwing objects at officers.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk defended the suspension, describing efforts to reform the judiciary and restore the rule of law as necessary steps. His government has repeatedly argued that previous judicial reforms weakened the independence of Poland’s courts.
Meanwhile, President Karol Nawrocki interrupted his planned visit to Senegal and returned to Poland following the developments. His decision highlighted the growing political significance of the dispute.
The controversy reflects a broader struggle over judicial appointments, constitutional authority and the independence of Poland’s highest court. The conflict between the current government and opposition-aligned institutions has continued since the 2023 change of government.
With political tensions mounting, the situation has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Poland’s judicial system and the future of constitutional governance.
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