04.11.2026, 14:56 (UK time)
News
On Tuesday 3 November the General Assembly of Constitutional Tribunal judges, convened by Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska, adopted the Tribunal’s budget plan for 2027. Eight judges took part. On Wednesday the head of the President’s Chancellery, Zbigniew Bogucki, said resolutions require ten judges and announced notifications to prosecutors. Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski and Vice-President Bartłomiej Sochański issued a joint statement saying that entrusting the running of the Tribunal to Judge Korwin-Piotrowska has no legal effect.
Analysis
The rules say that at least two-thirds of the judges are needed for the Assembly to adopt resolutions. The dispute is about which number to count from. The presidential side and President Święczkowski believe the Tribunal has 10 judges, because the President has not sworn in five people elected by the Sejm – so the quorum is 10. Judge Korwin-Piotrowska assumed that 12 judges are entitled, so the quorum is 8. The government side believes the Sejm filled all 15 seats. The status of Judge Jarosław Wyrembak is also disputed.
What it means
Both sides say it is the other side that is breaking the law. We do not decide who is right – this is a legal and political dispute that only state institutions and an agreement between politicians can end. The head of the President’s Chancellery earlier announced a meeting between President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk within a few days.
Risk
At times like these, a lot of false information circulates online. Police in Poland have already denied false reports about the situation around the Tribunal several times. If you have business with a Polish office or consulate, check announcements on the official gov.pl websites.
What to do
- Read information from several trusted sources, not only social media.
- Do not share videos and posts whose origin you do not know.
- If you have a case before a Polish court, ask your lawyer whether the dispute may affect it.
How to read this
We rely on Polsat News reports from 3 and 4 November. We need to watch, wait for further decisions and stay safe. We will keep updating the Tribunal section on our Polish home page.
Contact us
Have a question or need help in Polish? Email [email protected], use the live chat on our website or call 07508 267866 (Mon–Fri 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, Sat 11:00–14:00).
Sources: Polsat News, 04.11.2026 – statement by Zbigniew Bogucki; Polsat News, 04.11.2026 – statement by Święczkowski and Sochański; Polsat News, 03.11.2026 – the quorum dispute; Polsat News, 02.11.2026 – police on disinformation
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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