This article is from the source 'washpo' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/polands-pm-no-risk-of-eu-sanctions-against-poland/2016/01/14/366860b8-baab-11e5-85cd-5ad59bc19432_story.html

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Polish prime minster: No risk of EU sanctions against Poland Polish prime minster: No risk of EU sanctions against Poland
(about 2 hours later)
WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s prime minister said Thursday she doesn’t believe the European Union will impose sanctions on the country over its new laws that have been criticized as running counter to the bloc’s principle of the rule of law. WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s right-wing prime minister said Thursday she doesn’t believe the European Union will impose sanctions on the country over new laws that have been criticized as running counter to the bloc’s principle of the rule of law.
In what came as a surprise to Polish leaders, the EU on Wednesday decided to carry out a preliminary assessment of new Polish laws affecting the country’s constitutional court and state media. It’s the first step in a drawn-out procedure that could ultimately lead to suspending Polish voting rights in the 28-nation bloc. It would be the first such case ever. In a bitter surprise to Polish leaders, the EU’s executive Commission on Wednesday decided to carry out a preliminary assessment of new laws affecting Poland’s constitutional court and state media. It’s the first step in a drawn-out procedure that could ultimately lead to suspending Polish voting rights in the 28-nation bloc, although any sanctions would require unanimous approval from the 28.
Premier Beata Szydlo said Thursday she doesn’t believe the EU could imposes sanctions on Poland because the “European Commission cannot punish anyone.” But she said the bloc could suggest steps that Poland should take. The escalating standoff is seen by Poland’s conservative government as undue meddling in national affairs, and by the EU as a warning that democratic standards in this major member may be slipping.
Szydlo told TVN24 that “I am not saying that we made no mistakes, or that some things could not have been done in a different way.” Premier Beata Szydlo said Thursday she doesn’t believe the EU could imposes sanctions on Poland because the “European Commission cannot punish anyone.”
In December, Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party, which took power in November and has a parliamentary majority, took steps to gain influence in the constitutional tribunal, which is supposed to be an independent arbiter with the power to block government legislation, but is currently dominated by judges linked to the opposition. Critics said the ruling party’s steps threatened democracy. “I am not saying that we made no mistakes, or that some things could not have been done in a different way,” Szydlo told TVN24.
In addition, Poland’s president signed a law last week that heads toward giving the government full control of state radio and television, a move that critics see as undermining free speech. In December, Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party took steps to gain influence in the constitutional tribunal, which is supposed to be an independent arbiter with the power to block government legislation and is currently dominated by judges linked to the opposition. Critics said the ruling party’s steps threatened democracy.
Szydlo insisted that the recent steps taken by the government and lawmakers were made with full respect for the rule of law. She spoke to European Parliament President Martin Schulz on Thursday and both agreed they want the matter resolved as soon as possible, said Rafal Bochenek, spokesman for Poland’s government. In addition, Poland’s president signed a law last week that heads toward giving the government full control of state radio and television, which critics see as undermining free speech.
Szydlo insisted these steps were authorized by voters in recent elections. She spoke to European Parliament President Martin Schulz on Thursday and both agreed they want the matter resolved as soon as possible, said Rafal Bochenek, spokesman for Poland’s government.
However, Schulz told a news conference that EU standards did not allow a victorious party to rebuild a whole country along its particular plan.
The European Parliament will debate Poland on Jan. 20, and Szydlo said she will take an active part in the session.The European Parliament will debate Poland on Jan. 20, and Szydlo said she will take an active part in the session.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.