Żurek Presents Rule of Law Act, Claims It Will Ease Political Conflict

Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek announced that the government will submit the new Rule of Law Act to the Sejm in December, emphasizing that the proposals aim to reduce tensions surrounding Poland’s judicial system. He said the legislation, along with the updated National Council of the Judiciary (KRS) Act, is part of broader efforts to restore trust in the justice system.
According to Żurek, the draft introduces “compromise solutions,” particularly concerning the KRS. Under the proposal, judges would once again elect the judicial members of the council, returning to the system used before 2017. All judges would have voting rights, and district judges would gain strengthened representation with six designated seats. Public hearings for KRS candidates would also be introduced.
Żurek stressed that the Rule of Law Act would not remove sitting judges or disrupt the functioning of the judiciary. He said the goal is to stabilize the system while ensuring alignment with European legal standards.
He also addressed a recent EU Court of Justice ruling requiring member states to recognize same-sex marriages performed abroad. Żurek stated that Poland will comply with the ruling and update civil registry procedures if needed, while noting that this does not affect the constitutional definition of marriage within Poland.
A recent poll shows public opinion on Żurek’s performance is divided: 32.4% of respondents rate his work positively, while support is significantly higher among voters of parties within the 13 December Coalition.