Judiciary dispute escalates in Poland, president refuses to approve judges

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has refused to confirm 46 judicial nominations, accusing the candidates of undermining the country's constitutional and legal order.

The move, according to the European Conservative, is a direct challenge to the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, which the conservatives say is questioning the legitimacy of judges appointed under the previous PiS government.

The head of state criticised the judges, who are allegedly subject to the influence of Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek and are questioning their colleagues from the PiS government.

The cabinet responded with accusations of "usurpation of power", but conservatives regard the president as a defender of the rule of law.

The move has won strong support among some politicians, who warn of the politicisation of the judiciary and the EU-backed Tusk administration's power grab over the judiciary.

(mja)