The election of Karol Nawrocki as president of the Republic of Poland may be the beginning of the most serious crisis of legitimacy in the past of the 3rd Republic of Poland,” warns Prof. Marcin Matczak in an interview with “Rzeczpospolita”. In his opinion, the procedure for approving the election by the contested ultimate Court Chamber may have destructive effects on the regulation of law.
Photo screen shot, youtube
A chamber that's not a court?
The EU Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights have recognised that the Chamber of Extraordinary Control and Public Affairs does not meet standards of independency and impartiality. It was she who confirmed the validity of the election of Karol Nawrocki.
According to Prof. Matczak, this means that, in the light of the constitution and global law, the election of the president has not been decently approved. – A situation in which the most crucial court in the country is not decently cast is simply a tragic situation – emphasizes the lawyer.
Weak and questionable presidency
– To me, it's a questionable president. – says Matczak directly. In his opinion, situations – political or judicial – may arise which will challenge the legality of Karol Nawrocki's actions, including those of global importance. It points to possible decisions regarding the appointment of judges, signing laws or representing Poland internationally.
– Law and Justice destroyed a mechanics that besides gives legitimacy to their own president. It will be a weak presidency, inactive in question – He points out.
Marcin Matczak Fot screenshot / youtube
Is there a fresh constitutional dispute coming?
If there is simply a change of power in the Constitutional Court, a script is possible in which the fresh composition will consider that the Chamber of Control has been established illegally and its decisions, including the election of the President, are invalid.
– What about the decisions of the fresh president? Will they matter? – asked Matczak. It warns against the hazard of further legal chaos, which may besides include legislative acts, nominations and diplomatic activities.
Although the opposition is silent or cautious in this matter, the situation may rapidly evolve if legislative initiatives are taken to "sanction" the decisions of the Audit Chamber or its complete annulment. It is possible that the ruling camp is deliberately waiting for personnel changes in the Constitutional Court to decision at a convenient moment.
Hołównia as president? "An thought missed"
Prof. Andrzej Zoll suggested that the talker of the Sejm could temporarily take over as head of state if the National Assembly suspended the President's oath. Matczak considers this thought risky and possibly harmful.
– We don't know what Andrzej Duda will do. We don't know if Holownia will inactive be a marshal. This solution can do more harm than good – he says.
Ridiculous Elections
The interview besides referred to the opinion of Prof. Ewa Łętowska, who estimated that the elections had been "joked". Mother's right. Mistaken procedures, disputed court composition, many protests – all this undermines assurance in the electoral process and authority of the head of state.
Prof. Matczak leaves no illusions – a country that will not solve the crisis around the judiciary may not know in a minute who is his legitimate president. At a time erstwhile Poland will gotta make key interior and global decisions.
Source: Quotes in the text come from an interview by Prof. Marcin Matczak published by the diary Rzeczpospolita on 8 July 2025 and were quoted in accordance with the rule of permitted quote, for analysis and editorial commentary.
