Polish MPs debate controversial change to Constitutional Tribunal

The ruling Law and Justice party’s attempts to reform the powerful tribunal have triggered a series of street protests, with opponents claiming the government is undermining democracy in Poland.

Under the new bill put forward by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS), the Constitutional Tribunal would be required to pass rulings with a two-thirds majority, rather than the current simple majority. Thirteen out of all 15 judges would have to be in attendance, rather than nine judges, as at present.

Critics say the proposed legislation would make it more difficult for the tribunal to deliver rulings. Law and Justice, which came to power in October’s general election, promising sweeping change, fears the tribunal will block key reforms it has in the pipeline.

The new bill would also remove a rule that says the tribunal must be based in Warsaw. Critics say that could undermine the court's status.

Prime Minister Beata Szydło told the TVN24 station that "the situation around the Constitutional Tribunal is a political stalemate" which needs to be resolved.

"We want to bring this issue of the tribunal to a close. To adopt a law that will calm the situation […] We should calm the hysteria,” she said.

Szydło added, “Nobody is carrying out any sort of attack on the tribunal. There is a new bill on the Constitutional Tribunal, let's give it a chance, let it come into force.”

Thousands of Poles took to the streets on Saturday in over 20 cities across the country in protest against the government's drive to reform the tribunal. Similar demonstrations took place the previous weekend.

After coming to power, PiS forced through the appointment of five new judges to the tribunal.

The centrist Civic Platform-led government which preceded PiS had voted through parliament a group of five judges just prior to the 25 October election. The tribunal later concluded that two of the judges had been elected prematurely. (pk)