Poland Resumes Work on Judicial Overhaul at Center of EU Dispute
- Parliament discusses drafts submitted by President Duda
- Pro-democracy groups urge protest to stop judiciary overhaul
A man holds a candle as protesters take part in a demonstration in front of the Polish Supreme Court on July 23, 2017, in Warsaw to protest against the new bill changing the judiciary system.
Photographer: JANEK SKARZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images
Poland’s ruling party resumed work on an overhaul of the nation’s judiciary that’s triggered an unprecedented threat of sanctions by the European Union and protests from groups who say the government is sliding toward authoritarianism.
Parliament started the debate Wednesday on a package of laws aimed at forcing Supreme Court judges from their benches and giving politicians more sway over judiciary appointments. The push follows a four-month break by the ruling Law & Justice party in which it regrouped after the president vetoed an earlier version amid outcry from EU officials and nationwide demonstrations. The Polish zloty advanced for a fourth day, gaining 0.2 percent to 4.2117 against the euro at 7 p.m. in Warsaw.