On May 3, 2026, the 235th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of May 3rd, President Karol Nawrocki established the Council on the New Constitution at the President of the Republic of Poland. The initiative immediately divided the political scene.

In the historic halls of the Royal Castle in Warsaw, President Karol Nawrocki officially inaugurated work on a new fundamental law, fulfilling one of his key campaign pledges from the 2025 presidential election.

Council Composition and Mandate

During the ceremony at the Royal Castle, the first members of the multiparty council received their appointment documents. They include former President of the Constitutional Tribunal Julia Przyłębska, constitutional law expert Ryszard Piotrowski, judge and former Minister of Justice Barbara Piwnik, and lawyer and former Marshal of the Sejm Józef Zych.

All parliamentary clubs were invited to participate — with two representatives each — along with smaller parliamentary groups. Work on the new constitution is to be completed before the end of Nawrocki’s term in office.

Why a New Constitution?

Supporters of the initiative argue that the current fundamental law, dating from 1997, is in need of deep reform. The Head of the Presidential Chancellery, Zbigniew Bogucki, contends that the existing constitution „divides power in Poland between two centers,” which is „highly unusual from an international perspective,” and that the document „largely fails to match the realities and challenges facing Poland today.”

President Nawrocki had already expressed support for introducing a presidential system in Poland as early as mid-April, though he noted he was not insisting on that particular solution. Among the proposed changes are strengthened mechanisms to protect national sovereignty in relations with international organizations, as well as clearer regulation of national security matters.

Sharp Reactions from the Ruling Coalition

The initiative was not welcomed by the governing camp. Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented briefly on platform X: „Mr. Nawrocki has announced he will work on a new constitution. I suggest he start by respecting the current one.”

The Left party declared it would not participate in the Council’s work. Minister of Digitization Krzysztof Gawkowski stated bluntly that „seeking any cooperation with PiS, the Confederation, or the president on changing the constitution is incompatible with left-wing, and indeed democratic, values.” Senator of the Civic Coalition Grzegorz Schetyna assessed that the Council is meant to serve as the nucleus of „President Nawrocki’s political base.”

What Comes Next?

Experts point out that the advisory body established by Nawrocki holds no formal legislative powers, and that its strength lies in shaping the public debate agenda. At this stage, no binding legal provisions are changing — this is the beginning of a long-term political process.

Presidential spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz stressed that a referendum is built into the plan, though „details will be worked out along the way.” The final draft of the new fundamental law would still need to pass through parliament before being put to a public vote.

One thing is certain: the debate over the shape of Poland’s political system will dominate domestic politics for years to come. The question remains whether, in an atmosphere of deep polarization, achieving the consensus that a new constitution absolutely requires is even possible.