Reacting to the latest statements by the Polish government, who refuses to implement the rule of law recommendations by the European Commission, European Liberals and Democrats call on the Commission to activate the next step of the Rule of law Framework:
Reacting to the latest statements by the Polish government, who refuses to implement the rule of law recommendations by the European Commission, European Liberals and Democrats call on the Commission to activate the next step of the Rule of law Framework:
Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE Group leader, said: “The PiS government has clearly lost sight of reality, as it continues to deepen Poland’s Constitutional Crisis. The Commission recommendations are clear and based on a thorough analysis. So are the different opinions of the Venice Commission”.
“It is scandalous that the Polish government has chosen to ignore them and pretend that the paralysis of the Constitutional Court is not a problem. Poland is in a constitutional limbo, with two parallel legal systems. This weakens the trust of Polish citizens in their own legal system and weakens the standing of Poland within the EU.”
“I stand with all the Polish citizens who have never ceased to fight for freedom, democracy and the rule of law – values hijacked by their government”
“The EU must uphold the rule of law – all citizens, businesses and also Member States must abide by the same rules. As all steps of the rule of law procedure are now exhausted, the European Commission must be consistent and trigger the Art 7. Procedure”.
Sophie in ‘t Veld, ALDE Group first vice -president said: “ The reaction of the Polish government is highly regrettable. It only deepens the crisis and makes the triggering of article 7 almost unavoidable”.
“We must help Polish citizens to find a solution to this unprecedented crisis. The Polish government has an obligation to respect the rules of democracy, as well as EU values and principles. A system of checks and balances in a democracy is non- negotiable”.
“This crisis also illustrates the weaknesses of the mechanisms the EU has to uphold the rule of law. The Polish government defends itself by accusing the Commission of acting based on political and biased decisions while it is a fact that the rule of law is under threat in Poland”.
“This is why a European Pact for Democracy, the Rule of law and fundamental rights is needed. Only an objective, evidence-based and non-political mechanism will ensure that democratic principles are consistently upheld, regardless of the political forces”.
“We also expect EU Governments to assume their responsibility. Member States cannot turn a blind eye”.
