Undeterred by countrywide protests, criticism from Brussels and the Council of Europe (CoE), Poland’s governing Law and Justice (PiS) party adopted a controversial law that restricts the judiciary’s independence.
Although the bill was rejected in December by the Senate, the upper house of the Polish parliament, it was later approved by the lower house, or Sejm. Polish President Andrzej Duda — who holds a PhD in law — signed the legislation into law on Tuesday.
From now on, Polish judges may be punished for questioning the government’s divisive judicial reforms. They could face fines, demotions or lose their jobs if they refuse to recognize the authority of other judges or courts. The new law also prohibits judges from being politically active, and requires them to make public their membership in associations and civil society organizations.
European Commission (EC) spokesperson Christian Wigand commented on the latest developments by saying that the EC will “analyze whether the Polish law conforms to European Union law,” adding that Brussels would not hesitate to take further steps if necessary. Poland’s opposition and critically-minded judges, meanwhile, are expecting the controversial law to be scrutinized by the European Court of Justice.
Michal Laskowski, a spokesperson for Poland’s supreme court, said: “I think we will get a reaction to this legislation because it contradicts European law.”
In another development, Polish Sejm Speaker Elzbieta Witek announced that the Polish presidential election will be held on 10 May 2020. The Polish president is elected for a five-year term of office.
