Poland: Senate approves controversial court law; clashes possible July 22

Event

The Polish senate approved a controversial bill on Saturday, July 22, giving elected officials substantial power over the judiciary. The bill will now advance to the desk of President Andrzej Duda to be signed. The president plans to consult with the head of the court, Malgorzata Gersdorf, on Monday, July 24, before signing the bill into law.

The vote defies widespread domestic and European opposition to the bill, with critics claiming it threatens the integrity of the courts. The senate approval will likely incite further demonstrations in Warsaw against the perceived backsliding of democratic values. As in past protests, clashes between demonstrators and security forces are likely and an escalation of violence is possible.

Context

Several protests against the bill were held in Warsaw in recent weeks. 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. The lower house of parliament approved the bill on July 20, leading to further protest.

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 for travel in the event of protests.