Ruling Polish party can push through judicial reforms

Significance

After the October parliamentary elections, the Law and Justice (PiS) government has sharpened its position against the judiciary. Now that it has taken control of the Constitutional Tribunal (KT) and National Council of the Judiciary (KRS), the Supreme Court (SN) is the most important judicial institution over which the government has no influence.

Impacts

• Local and foreign business investment decreased after 2015 and the situation in the judiciary is likely to reinforce this trend.
• The PiS government will have to devote much effort to avoid its worsening relations with the EU leading to further sanctions.
• The chaotic situation in which some judges do not recognise others will lead to even longer court proceedings.