Polish president vows to use ‘all powers’ in row with PM Tusk over constitutional court

Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has said he will use "all the powers available" to him to stop what he called an attempt to overturn the country’s constitutional order, in an escalating dispute with Prime Minister Donald Tusk over the Constitutional Tribunal.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki attends a National Security Council (RBN) meeting at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw on Tuesday.

Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Speaking at the start of a meeting of the National Security Council (RBN), which he had convened, Nawrocki said Poland was facing a "serious constitutional crisis."

He argued that there were grounds for "the most serious allegations" that the government's actions towards the Tribunal were illegal.

"The rule of law cannot be restored by methods that themselves blatantly breach the law," Nawrocki told the council.

The president accused Tusk, who was present at the meeting, of being personally responsible for the suspension of judges, for "illegal orders" and for the police presence outside the Tribunal.

He described the events as "not just a crime against the constitution" but "a mistake," arguing that the prime minister was damaging Poland's image abroad and deterring investors.

'Before the week of celebrations'

Speaking at the Tuesday meeting, Nawrocki called on Tusk to halt the disputed actions before Poland's Independence Day celebrations next week, warning that domestic instability could threaten national security.

The conflict over the Tribunal was added to the council's agenda after tensions escalated over the weekend.

On Tuesday, as the council met, the court’s judges held a general assembly called by Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska to approve its budget for next year.

Nie możemy dopuścić do tego, by brak stabilności wewnętrznej państwa wpływał na realizację naszego najważniejszego zadania – zapewnienia bezpieczeństwa obywatelom. Nie ma bezpieczeństwa zewnętrznego bez bezpieczeństwa wewnętrznego. Musimy pamiętać, że bezpieczeństwo nie jest nam dane raz na zawsze. Szczególnie dzisiaj mamy tego świadomość. Umacnianie sojuszy wymaga codziennej pracy, wiarygodność buduje się latami, a stracić ją można niestety w jedną noc. - Prezydent RP @NawrockiKn

— Kancelaria Prezydenta RP (@prezydentpl) November 3, 2026

The meeting had originally been due to focus on national security and a potential permanent US base in Poland.

Nawrocki asked the government for detailed information on how preparations were progressing, including the legislation and resources required.

He described the presence of US troops as "one of the pillars" of deterrence on NATO's eastern flank and evidence of the confidence between Warsaw and Washington.

"The trust of allies is based not only on signed documents or declarations, but also on the belief that a partner is a stable and responsible state," the president stressed.

Nawrocki also called for the swift adoption of an updated national security strategy, warning that delays could weaken Poland's position within the alliance's defence architecture.

The final say on a permanent base rests with Washington, which is conducting a six-month review of its forces in Europe due to finish by the end of the year.

Poland’s deputy defence minister has said a decision is expected in November or December.

(ał)

Source: PAP