Poland: Protests break out in Warsaw July 20

Event

Opposition supporters gathered outside the parliament building in Warsaw on Thursday, July 20, as members of the lower house voted on a controversial reform of the Supreme Court. The lower house passed the bill at approximately 15:00 (local time) with a vote of 235-192, with 23 abstentions. At around 15:40, media sources reported that protesters started to kick and hit the metal barriers that separated them from the parliament building. The bill still needs to be approved by the upper house and signed by President Andrzej Duda, which is expected in the next several days. Demonstrations may escalate in the coming hours and further protests may develop in the coming days, which could turn unruly. An enhanced security presence surrounding the parliament building and wherever protests take place should be expected.

Context

Protests against the bill were held in Warsaw on July 15 and July 16. On July 12, Parliament passed an amendment to a new law on the judiciary, and introduced a new draft bill relating to the judiciary, which if enacted critics argue will give the Law and Justice Party (PiS) close to full control of the constitutional body.

Critics and the centrist opposition argue that this violates the constitutional separation of powers, while the PiS says that the legislation would make the judiciary more efficient and accountable to the public. The bill requires signing by the president; if signed, the sitting Supreme Court judges will be forced to resign a day after the new legislation comes into force.

Since coming into power in 2015, a series of controversial legislative reforms by the PiS have sparked demonstrations, including a mass anti-government rally in May.

Advice

Individuals in Warsaw are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to avoid all demonstrations, and to allow additional time to travel.