Poland tribunal crisis: Warsaw police deployed as envoy resigns and president meets officials

Riot police were deployed outside Warsaw's Constitutional Tribunal as tensions rose over the government's use of state power and the independence of a constitutional institution. Thousands of people gathered outside the tribunal, creating what the US ambassador described as an already dangerous situation.

Constitutional Tribunal Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska banned entry to the tribunal premises out of concern for the life and health of people inside and around the building. She stated that MPs and senators cannot perform any activities on the premises.

“The last thing Poland needs is a confrontation that spirals into something far worse.”

Poland's ambassador to China, Jakub Kumoch, resigned, saying it was no longer possible for him to continue serving in light of events in the country. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called the resignation unprofessional and said Kumoch no longer represents the Republic.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki arrived at the Presidential Palace just before 11pm local time after cutting short a trip to Senegal. He met with the First President of the Supreme Court, Zbigniew Kapiński, and with Bogdan Święczkowski.

US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose described the events at the tribunal as very serious and warned that the crowds made the situation more combustible. He said both sides offer sharply different accounts of what happened and why.

The situation follows an unprecedented confrontation over state power and constitutional authority. Whatever facts ultimately establish, thousands gathered outside the tribunal as political leaders met in Warsaw.