EP to debate Poland in wake of Constitutional Tribunal controversies

“Europe is concerned over what is happening in Poland, a country which has so far been considered a prime example of democracy,” the former head of the Defence Ministry said in an interview for radio station RMF FM on Monday.

The upcoming debate, spearheaded by former Culture Minister Bogdan Zdrojewski, comes days after President Andrzej Duda swore in four new judges of the Constitutional Tribunal elected by ruling Law and Justice.

Last Thursday, the Tribunal decided that two judges replacing those whose term in office ended in December, under the term of the current Parliament, were wrongfully appointed by the previous leadership who lost power in the 25 October elections. The appointment of three other judges, replacing those whose terms ended under the term of the outgoing Parliament was, however, legally binding.

Yet by the time the Constitutional Tribunal reached its verdict, Law and Justice had already annulled the appointment of all five judges in a parliamentary vote, and the president took their oaths.

As Siemoniak added in the interview, while the upcoming discussion in the European Parliament is to be centered on the matter, it will also touch on “threats to free speech, the freedom of artistic expression, and the planned changes to the country’s economic policies.” (aba/di)

Source: RMF24