News in brief
Poland, Saturday 31 October: Constitutional Tribunal crisis, regional trains and November visits
The night brought a further escalation in the dispute surrounding the Constitutional Tribunal. Our morning edition also covers support for regional trains in western Poland and the conditions attached to free November visits. This briefing reflects the publications consulted this morning.
Original AI-generated illustration: a symbolic composition about institutions, not the real Tribunal or overnight events.
Constitutional Tribunal: a night of crisis and conflicting positions
According to RMF24, an announcement on the Tribunal website on Friday evening stated that president Bogdan Święczkowski and vice-president Bartłomiej Sochański were to be suspended from their duties. The institution’s social media account disputed the announcement and alleged that its website had been taken over. These conflicting accounts do not establish a final legal change of leadership.
President Karol Nawrocki interrupted his journey to Senegal and visited the Tribunal after midnight, RMF24 and public media report. In its 30 October statement, police said it had been asked to ensure safety and that officers were outside the building. This describes the police position at the time of the statement, not every moment of the night. The situation remains developing.
Lubusz: an extra 2.9 million złotys for railway rolling stock
The official European Funds portal published a 2.9 million złoty increase in support for a Lubusz regional rolling-stock project on Friday. The regional executive decided on 20 October: publication on the 30th does not mark a delivery.
The notice gives no service launch date or new route. Passengers should check existing timetables.
Free November: four royal residences, with conditions
On Saturday, RMF24 highlights “Darmowy Listopad”, announced by the Ministry of Culture on 8 October. Selected spaces and exhibitions will be free at Wawel, Warsaw’s Royal Castle, Royal Łazienki and Wilanów Palace. This is a timely reminder ahead of November, not an entirely new announcement.
Free admission does not mean unrestricted access to every space at any time. Free tickets or reservations may be necessary. The official programme specifically states that Wawel and Warsaw’s Royal Castle will be closed on 1 November. Check the museum calendar and remaining availability before travelling.