Sat Oct 25 19:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The article reports on a panel discussion held during the Law and Justice (PiS) party’s convention in Katowice, Poland, focusing on reforming the Polish judicial system. Speakers, including Professor Anna Łabno, Łukasz Bernaciński, and former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, criticized the current state of the judiciary, arguing that past failures to address systemic issues have led to its decline. They voiced concerns over judicial independence, the role of the prosecution, and the influence of external actors like the EU. Proposals were floated, including restricting the scope of judicial review and potentially rebuilding the judicial system entirely. There was a general sentiment that reforms are necessary to improve efficiency and protect Polish sovereignty, even if it means facing criticism from the EU.

News Article:

Polish Judiciary Faces Overhaul, PiS Convention Speakers Call for Radical Reforms

Katowice, Poland – October 25, 2025 – A heated debate on the future of the Polish judicial system took center stage at the Law and Justice (PiS) party’s program convention in Katowice on Saturday. Prominent legal experts and politicians, including Professor Anna Łabno and former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, argued for sweeping reforms, citing a crisis of confidence and efficiency within the courts.

“We have not settled certain matters that should have been addressed years ago,” stated Professor Łabno, a constitutional law expert. “Today, the consequences are tragic, as the state and the law are being destroyed.” She emphasized the importance of an independent prosecution service.

Speakers highlighted the perceived influence of the European Union and voiced concern over what they characterized as external interference in Polish judicial affairs.

Łukasz Bernaciński from Ordo Iuris argued that the current crisis stemmed from opposition to earlier reforms, with some judges allegedly seeking intervention from European courts.

Former Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłoński addressed the issue of “neo-judges,” those appointed after the 2018 judicial reforms, arguing that debates surrounding their legitimacy are distracting from the core problem of judicial efficiency. He suggested restricting the scope of cases heard by courts to reduce backlogs.

The most radical proposal came from former Deputy Minister of Justice Michał Woś, who suggested a complete overhaul of the judiciary, calling for its “rebuilding from scratch.” Ziobro echoed the need for decisive action against those who “created the seed of rebellion in Poland and refuse loyalty to Poland,” stressing the importance of protecting Polish sovereignty.

The panel discussion underscored the deep divisions surrounding the Polish judicial system and signaled a potential push for significant reforms in the near future, regardless of potential criticism from the EU.

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