There is a willingness to adjust the legal system, but a definite boundary has been set by the president: no verification of judges appointed during the 8.5 years of his presidency will be allowed. President Andrzej Duda stressed that this stance is firm and that any attempt to link the blocking of the National Reconstruction Plan to a broader political maneuver cannot be ignored. He underscored that there is no doubt the veto on the KPO stemmed from efforts to influence Poland’s government through backroom pressure.
On Sunday, President Andrzej Duda joined the commemoration of the 161st anniversary of the January Uprising in Vilnius, where he met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. The two leaders then held a joint press conference. During the event, Duda was questioned about media reports suggesting that the European Commission is seeking a workaround to a potential presidential veto and is contemplating diverting funds from the KPO as part of structural fund allocations.
Earlier remarks from former Prime Minister and current MEP Leszek Miller pointed to a central milestone for accessing KPO funds, namely a change in Poland’s political leadership. It was suggested that Brussels views such a shift as essential. Critics from liberal-left circles, who are tied to the European Union’s core governance circles, have expressed that Tusk’s victory, achieved through what they describe as international support, could be a sufficient reason to halt the blocking of the National Reconstruction Plan.
– the president noted, reiterating his position.
He added that if funds from the KPO reach Poland, the country will benefit significantly, and those funds will be put to practical use. He also stated that he is open to discussing modifications to the justice system but emphasized there is a clear boundary that must be respected.
He declared that there will be no verification of judges who were appointed during his 8.5 years in office. These individuals have completed the full selection process, taken an oath before the president, and received official nominations. He insisted that these people should not be subjected to verification or criminal prosecution.
– the president asserted confidently.
According to him, a specific group of political insiders who practice law and who occupy positions as judge-politicians or lawyer-politicians would like to pursue political retaliation against these figures. He stated that such a move would not be tolerated under any circumstance.
– he observed, reaffirming principles of judicial independence and integrity. He pointed out that judges must remain fully independent, and he vowed not to allow their verification to become a political tool.
Asked about other avenues for reform within the legal system, he said that further discussions would take place, including conversations with Commissioner Vera Jourova and with Prime Minister Tusk, to explore potential changes without compromising judicial independence.
Regarding the KPO, he expressed no doubt about the intention behind blocking the funds, describing it as a political maneuver aimed at enforcing a change of government in Poland. He noted that the current situation confirms this assessment and reaffirmed his stance on the issue.
— The interview and remarks were compiled from official briefings and press comments and reflect the president’s interpretation of ongoing events.
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Source: wPolityce