Poland’s Ruling Party Rushes Top-Court Revamp Before NATO Summit
- Overhaul criticized by ombudsman, judiciary council, oposition
- New law needed to end tribunal conflict, premier Szydlo says
Poland’s ruling party overhauled the Constitutional Tribunal in a rushed attempt to quiet the country’s biggest-ever row with the European Union before leaders of the NATO military alliance arrive in Warsaw.
A new law governing the top court was approved by the lower house of parliament after two nights of stormy debate, and hours before U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders arrive for a NATO summit in the Polish capital. The new law falls short of meeting recommendations from the EU’s executive and the Venice Commission and compromises the court’s ability for an effective and timely review legislation, according to the country’s ombudsman, the National Council of the Judiciary of Poland as well as most opposition lawmakers.