Full Breakdown
Poland President Karol Nawrocki Appoints Council to Draft New Constitution
5/4/2026, 4:34:00 AM
President Nawrocki Launches Council to Draft a New Constitution
On 3 May 2024, Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki appointed a Council for the New Constitution. The council’s roster includes several individuals linked to the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Nawrocki announced the initiative on Friday, setting a deadline to present a draft before his term ends in 2030.
Political Context, Constitutional Amendment Rules, and Parliamentary Landscape
Poland’s constitution can be amended only with a two-thirds majority in the 460-member Sejm (at least 307 votes) and an absolute majority in the 100-member Senate (51 votes). Both chambers are dominated by the liberal coalition government, which opposes Nawrocki’s proposal. The president may propose changes, but any amendment must clear these parliamentary hurdles. All parliamentary groups were invited to join the council, yet the ruling coalition has not indicated participation, leaving the council’s cross-party legitimacy uncertain.
Timeline of Key Developments
5 May 2024 – Nawrocki announces a constitutional review. 6 May 2024 – Prime Minister Donald Tusk urges adherence to the current constitution. 7 May 2024 – Council for the New Constitution is formally appointed on Constitution Day. 8 May 2024 – Tusk posts the quote about nations respecting constitutions.
Key Figures and Groups
President Karol Nawrocki leads the initiative. The council includes Law and Justice (PiS) affiliates. Prime Minister Donald Tusk heads the liberal coalition controlling the Sejm and Senate. No other parliamentary groups have confirmed participation.
Why It Matters
The council’s formation represents a direct challenge to the liberal coalition’s constitutional agenda and signals President Nawrocki’s intent to expand presidential authority. A revised constitution could reshape the balance of powers, affect judicial independence, and alter Poland’s alignment with European Union norms, potentially deepening political polarization and influencing future domestic and foreign policy decisions.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Donald Tusk responded on social media, urging the president to respect the existing constitution. Government officials reiterated that any amendment must secure the two-thirds Sejm and Senate majorities, emphasizing adherence to the current legal framework.
Criticism & Opposition
Donald Tusk publicly criticized the initiative, stating the president should first abide by the current constitution. The liberal coalition’s control of both legislative chambers positions it to block any proposed changes, reflecting institutional resistance to the council’s objectives.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources confirm PiS-aligned members sit on the council but do not identify which parliamentary groups have agreed to participate. No information is available on the council’s internal deliberations or the substantive content of any draft constitution.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I suggest starting with abiding by the current one,” — Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland (6 May 2024)
- “Only those nations that respect their constitutions stand a chance of victory.” — Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland (8 May 2024)
What’s Next
The council must deliver a draft before Nawrocki’s term expires in 2030. The liberal coalition is expected to pursue its own legislative priorities, potentially introducing alternative constitutional reforms. Upcoming parliamentary sessions will indicate whether any cross-party dialogue on constitutional change emerges.
