The Polish Ministry of Justice has announced a notable improvement in the handling of Swiss franc loan cases (commonly referred to as “frank loans”) in the country’s judicial system. After a surge in lawsuits in recent years, the number of new cases has begun to decline, and court proceedings are now progressing more efficiently. Data from the first quarter of 2025 confirms this positive trend: fewer borrowers are choosing to take legal action, while courts are increasing their operational effectiveness.
Significant Decline in New Cases
Statistics from common courts reveal a marked improvement in case processing efficiency and clearance rates. In the first instance, 12,606 new franc loan cases were registered in Q1 2025—a 50% drop compared to the same period in 2024. The case clearance ratio surged to 179.1, translating into an over 85% increase in efficiency, compared to a ratio of 96.3 a year earlier. The number of pending cases decreased by nearly 10,000—from 146,562 to 136,585.
In the second instance (appellate courts), there was a slight 6.9% increase in incoming cases, which officials attribute to more effective resolutions at the first-instance level. Importantly, the number of unresolved cases increased by only 2.9%, and the clearance ratio jumped from 45.6 in 2024 to 86.9—a more than 90% improvement in efficiency.
Rise in Settlements and Mediation
In parallel, the number of settlements reached continues to grow. In Q1 2025 alone, 11,495 settlements were signed. Since the beginning of 2024, over 55,000 settlements have been concluded. This reflects a growing interest in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and further indicates improving efficiency within the judicial system.
Minister’s Comments and Digital Reform Plans
Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar emphasized that forecasts predicting a decline in frank loan cases are now being confirmed by hard data. He announced further measures to streamline proceedings, particularly through the “Digital Court” program. Selected digital functionalities will be tested this summer, with the launch of the “Digital Judge’s Assistant” modules planned within a year. The Ministry is also actively promoting mediation to speed up resolution times and relieve the courts.
New Law Aims to Improve Case Handling
In response to these developments, the government is working on legislation specifically aimed at improving the handling of frank loan cases. The bill is expected to come into force later in 2025, following a brief vacatio legis.
Key proposed changes include:
- Automatic suspension of loan repayments for the duration of the trial, eliminating the need for separate motions for interim relief.
- More frequent use of closed hearings, even at the appellate stage, to accelerate proceedings.
- Consolidation of mutual claims in a single proceeding, simplifying and shortening the court process.
Broad Public Consultation Behind the Draft
The draft legislation is the result of extensive public consultation. The Ministry is currently reviewing more than 200 opinions and comments submitted by stakeholders. The aim is not only to support borrowers with Swiss franc loans but also to enhance the overall efficiency of the judiciary by reducing case backlogs and speeding up the handling of various civil matters.
Source: ceo.com.pl – Full article
