On Wednesday 14 June, MEPs held another debate on the state of the rule of law in Poland in the light of the latest developments in the country, illustrated in particular by a recent law creating a commission to investigate Russian interference.
In the presence of the European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, the ‘pro-European’ groups in the Chamber once again pointed out the overreach of the PiS government in Warsaw, which “is seeking at all costs, through extreme measures, to retain power”, said Dutch EPP member Jeroen Lenaers.
This is tantamount to “classic autocratic practices”, the latest example of which (the much talked about law on Russian interference) aims to “suppress the opposition” in the country.
The EPP MEP welcomed the “rapid” action taken by the Commission, which last week launched infringement proceedings against Warsaw over this law (see EUROPE 13196/19). “We are not overstating the urgency of the situation”, added the Dutchman, who also asked the Commission to consider interim measures alongside the infringement proceedings. “We must not lose any more time”, he said.
Renew Europe member Róża Thun from Poland was particularly concerned about Poland’s new electoral law, which “favours the government in power”. A mission to observe the next legislative elections, scheduled for the autumn, is therefore necessary to check that pressure is not being exerted on voters. She also pointed out that Poland is one of the countries that has used Pegasus spyware.
The European Commissioner took note of the European Parliament’s request to organise an electoral observation mission in the country and recalled that the Venice Commission attaches great importance to these observation missions, which can verify whether free and fair elections are held and must have the broadest possible composition.
The new electoral law, which came into force at the end of March, provides for free transport for certain voters (the elderly, for example) and makes provision for certain elements of the voting process to be filmed.
With regard to the so-called ‘Tusk’ law, Didier Reynders felt that “things seem to be moving” since the initiation of the infringement proceedings, with responses expected from the Polish government and the suspension of this commission.
However, the Commissioner reiterated the serious concerns that remain regarding the appointment of Supreme Court judges and the Polish Constitutional Tribunal, which has called into question the primacy of European law. “No action has been taken by the government”, he summarised.
MEPs are expected to put a resolution to the vote at the July plenary session. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)