Polish PM appeals to nation over court row

“Poles chose us to work well for them,” she said of the Law and Justice [PiS] party, which won the 25 October general election.

“The PiS government is here so as to fulfill that task well.

“Our goal is to repair Poland and build a state that does not exclude anyone and unites all,” she claimed.

“Let us not be divided, let us be one great white and red team,” she said, referring to the colours of the Polish flag.

Constitutional Tribunal

Law and Justice rushed through an amendment after coming to power that paved the way for the appointment of five new judges to the Constitutional Tribunal.

The Civic Platform-led government had voted through parliament a group of five judges just prior to the election, although the tribunal later concluded that two of the judges were elected prematurely.

Szydło placed the blame for the row squarely on Civic Platform, which she claims is defending foreign interests, such as banks.

“Civic Platform's actions and those of the Constitutional Tribunal were designed to block a 'good change',” she argued, naming her party's plans to increase child benefits and tax banks.

“We want a Poland that is open to the Polish citizen, and not ruled by interest groups,” she said.

Meanwhile, following protests and counter-protests on the streets of Warsaw and in other cities, Law and Justice has unveiled another draft amendment regarding the Constitutional Tribunal.

Among other matters, it would increase the number of judges needed for a ruling of the full court from nine to thirteen (from a choice of 15, as before). (nh/pk)