Rule of law and democracy in Poland debated in Parliament for the fourth time

The European Parliament's plenary session held on 14 December 2016 a debate on rule of law and democracy in Poland. It followed a statement by the European Commission' First Vice-President.

This statement recalled the recommendation made by the Commission in July 2016 that the Polish government should respect the judgements passed by the Constitutional Tribunal, publish all its judgments and withdraw decisions that hamper its work.

During the debate, some MEPs criticised the country's government for continuing to threaten democratic principles and European values. Others considered that this debate should not have taken place, because it interfered with a country’s internal affairs and national sovereignty.

This was the fourth debate held on this topic. The first was held in January 2016 in the presence of Poland's Prime Minister. The third debate took place in September.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Poland will reject ‘incompatible’ EU demands: PM http://www.europeansources.info/record/poland-will-reject-incompatible-eu-demands-pm/

Radio Poland, 14.12.16: Heated debate as MEPs argue over rule of law in Poland http://www.thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/284597,Heated-debate-as-MEPs-argue-over-rule-of-law-in-Poland

EUObserver, 15.12.16: MEPs urge tougher action on Poland https://euobserver.com/institutional/136284

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