Constitutional Tribunal Appointment Would Mock Protesters, Says Professor Matczak
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Professor Marcin Matczak criticized reports that former minister Maciej Berek might be appointed to the Constitutional Tribunal.
- Matczak stated such a move would mock citizens who protested for the tribunal's political neutrality.
- He warned the appointment would be used by the opposition and the president as proof of the ruling party's similarity to its predecessor.
Professor Marcin Matczak has voiced strong criticism regarding potential reports that Maciej Berek, a former minister, may be appointed as a judge to the Constitutional Tribunal. Matczak, a law professor at the University of Warsaw, described such a move as a "mockery" of the thousands of citizens who protested for the tribunal's political neutrality during the previous government's tenure.
If this happens, it will be a mockery of those people who went out into the street by the thousands.
While acknowledging Berek as an "excellent lawyer," Matczak emphasized his close ties to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, referring to him as Tusk's "right-hand man." The professor warned that this appointment would be exploited by the opposition and the president, serving as evidence that the current ruling party, Civic Platform, has not fundamentally changed its practices from that of its predecessor, PiS.
Dr. Berek is an excellent lawyer, but he is Donald Tusk's man, Donald Tusk's right-hand man.
Matczak highlighted the significant public outcry and protests that occurred over eight years, aimed at defending the apolitical nature of the Constitutional Tribunal. He argued that if Tusk proceeds with this appointment, it would demonstrate a disregard for the public's will and sentiments. The professor believes such an action would be a profound insult to those who took to the streets in large numbers to advocate for the tribunal's independence.
This situation will be used by the opposition, by President Nawrocki, by everyone as proof that Civic Platform is no different from PiS.
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.