Projekt stanowiska Sejmu w sprawie o sygn. akt K 53/13

The proceedings before the Constitutional Tribunal in this case were initiated by a group of Deputies who questioned the constitutionality of some provisions of the Act of 21 June 2013 amending the Act on the Office of the Minister of National Defence and other acts. The Sejm did not share the arguments of the applicant. The abolishment of the posts of the commanders of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Special Forces (and their corresponding commands) accompanied by the creation of the posts of General Commander of the Branches of the Armed Forces and Operational Commander of the Branches of the Armed Forces is within the regulatory discretion of the legislature. The constitutional position of Chief of General Staff has not weakened, and the changes resulting from the Amending Act do not go beyond the framework set by the relevant constitutional provision. Entrusting to the President of the Republic of the competence to appoint – at the request of the Prime Minister – a person “designated for an appointment as Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces” has a strong constitutional grounds and ensures efficient procedure for filling the position of Commander‑in‑Chief for a period of war. In addition, the procedure in which the amendment was made did not infringe the principle of proper legislation.