Politics
Controversial Supreme Court Chamber Validates Poland's Presidential Election Outcome
Poland’s Chamber of Extraordinary Review and Public Affairs—a Supreme Court body whose legitimacy is disputed by the current Polish government and European courts—has officially confirmed the results of the June 1 presidential runoff, declaring Karol Nawrocki, a conservative opposition candidate backed by the former ruling PiS party, the winner with 50.9% of the vote, narrowly defeating Rafa? Trzaskowski (49.1%).
The chamber acknowledged 21 election irregularities but concluded these did not impact the final result. However, controversy remains, as the chamber itself was created under PiS rule and is staffed entirely by politically appointed judges—a fact that has led to its classification as illegitimate by Polish and EU courts.
Despite over 53,000 electoral complaints, most of which were dismissed, the chamber’s ruling clears the way for Nawrocki’s August swearing-in, replacing outgoing president Andrzej Duda.
Critics, including Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, argue the oversight body failed to fully examine complaints, dismissing many based on technicalities. A letter signed by 28 Supreme Court judges and dissenting opinions from two sitting members of the chamber further question its authority.
Still, parliamentary speaker Szymon Ho?ownia confirmed he will proceed with the swearing-in, citing the law’s requirement for the chamber’s ruling to be honored. Supporters argue the ruling coalition’s objections are politically motivated, as they did not contest the chamber's role during their own electoral victories in 2023 and 2024.
The National Electoral Commission (PKW) also supported the result, stating it found no significant legal violations that could have altered the outcome.
