2026-04-24 07:31
publication
2026-04-24 07:31
Fewer judges adjudicate in Polish courts than a year ago and almost 10 percent. less than a decade ago. Reason? Unfavorable demography and fatigue with the constant crisis in the judiciary – we read in the Friday edition of “Rzeczpospolita”.
“Efficient courts for citizens are our highest priority, to which we devote maximum effort and attention. We want to launch a comprehensive process of changes that, over time, will shorten the duration of proceedings – this is the statement of Adam Bodnar, who, as Minister of Justice, announced the implementation of reforms aimed at improving the functioning of Polish courts. Has it succeeded? Lawyers do not see any improvement, but they talk more and more openly about the collapse of the Polish judiciary,” writes the newspaper.
The numbers prove the crisis of the Polish justice system. The waiting time for judgments is on average one month longer than in 2024 and almost half a year longer than in 2011. There are also categories of cases, such as bankruptcy cases, in which proceedings, and only in the first instance, last on average over four years – enumerates “Rz”. According to experts, the main causes of this collapse are the political crisis and staff shortages in the courts.
Data obtained by “Rz” from the Ministry of Justice show that there are currently 9,129 judges adjudicating in courts, i.e. 15 judges less than a year ago. The decline is not large, but as lawyers emphasize, in the current crisis situation, each judge appointed is worth its weight in gold. In 2015, 9,935 judges were employed in common courts, i.e. over 8%. more than today.
The newspaper indicates that information about the growing number of judges retiring may also be alarming. Last year there were 255 of them. In 2024, 230 judges retired, in 2022 – 161, and in 2021 – 134 judges.
“Rz” reminds that almost a year ago the National Council of the Judiciary raised the alarm that there may already be over 1,000 cases in courts. vacancies. (PAP)
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