Polish PM appeals to President to attend EU summit

Prime Minister Kopacz must dismiss her government before the new Law and Justice (PiS) government convenes on 12 November, the same day as the EU summit.

Kopacz addressed a press conference on Friday saying that Poland’s seat at the summit to discuss the refugee crisis in the European Union, cannot be left empty.

“Why? It was Poland which created a dedicated group opposed to the implementation of a permanent mechanism for the distribution of migration,” Kopacz stressed.

“It is at these informal European Council summits where the positions of member states are represented,” Kopacz stated.

“After a heated discussion, sometimes lasting more than half a day, conclusions arise, which are binding,” Prime Minister Kopacz said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Rafał Trzaskowski later in the evening reiterated that only the head of government or the head of state may represent Poland at EC summits.

“The question now, is if the President is willing to go and represent Polish interests in Malta,” Deputy Foreign Minister Trzaskowski stated.

Polish President Andrzej Duda announced 12 November as the first date of the first sitting of the Sejm lower house of parliament and the Senate following the 25 October general election. (ua/rg/rk)