Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki arrived back in Warsaw early Saturday, following concerns over a disruption in the Constitutional Tribunal’s leadership while he was abroad. Nawrocki and his supporters have called this disruption by Prime Minister Donald Tusk a ‘coup attempt.’
While Nawrocki was visiting Senegal, reports surfaced about Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska suspending Tribunal President Bogdan Święczkowski and his deputy for one month. She claimed authority over the Tribunal, yet the current leadership firmly rejected her order, labeling it a coup d’état.
Demonstrations erupted outside the Tribunal with police present to maintain order. Supporters of the suspending leadership protested fiercely, some even cutting chains on a gate. Police intervened, blocking Święczkowski’s access and detaining three individuals.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Nawrocki promptly redirected his flight from Senegal back to Poland, stating in a social media post, “At a moment like this, the President must be in Poland. I am returning.”
Upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace and after discussions with officials, Nawrocki proceeded to the Tribunal alongside Supreme Court First President Zbigniew Kapiński. Their convoy had to stop approximately 50 meters from the gate due to police barriers, forcing Nawrocki to walk the final distance.
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HOLY CRAP! Right-wing Polish President Karol Nawrocki just PERSONALLY STORMED IN to the nation's highest constitutional court after Donald Tusk's group of pro-EU flunkies tried a COUP
THIS, RIGHT HERE, IS A PATRIOT WHO LOVES POLAND
Poland is erupting and it's not good for… pic.twitter.com/XY5ywmn2Zu
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 31, 2026
As Nawrocki reached the Tribunal, he confronted multiple individuals, including Korwin-Piotrowska and Judge Krystian Markiewicz. Video footage captured him directing them to move aside, stating, “Please step aside.”
Once inside, Korwin-Piotrowska claimed, “We are judges of the Constitutional Tribunal,” but Nawrocki firmly responded, “You are not judges of the Constitutional Tribunal.”
The President’s Chancellery head, Zbigniew Bogucki, accused Korwin-Piotrowska of attempting a coup. Moreover, the President’s team sought keys to the Tribunal’s rooms, which were refused.
"You are not judges of the Constitutional Tribunal!"
This is…
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 31, 2026
The Constitutional Tribunal serves as Poland’s highest court regarding constitutional matters, akin to the U.S. Supreme Court in function. The ongoing disputes regarding its leadership and composition date back to 2015, during which political divisions shaped judicial selections.
After the recent government shift in 2023, new judges were elected against the backdrop of controversy. President Nawrocki, elected in 2025, rejected administering the oath for five of these judges, claiming irregularities in their election process.
While these five judges sought to be sworn in parliament, Święczkowski withheld their seating. The suspension order issued by Korwin-Piotrowska occurred when Nawrocki was abroad, justified by claims of hindering the new judge’s assembly.
The justice minister has sought to lift the immunity of the suspended officials for potential criminal charges related to obstructing the new judges’ duties. Opposition leaders have labeled the developments as an illegal takeover of power.
