European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly applauded Donald Tusk for what she described as restoring the rule of law in Poland, a sentiment echoed by former Prime Minister Beata Szydło and MP Sebastian Kaleta. They reminded audiences of instances where the rule of law was tested amid protests by farmers who faced police intervention.
Von der Leyen praised Tusk at the EPP gathering
During the European People’s Party congress in Bucharest, Ursula von der Leyen, a leading figure in the European Commission, drew attention to Tusk as a potential candidate for higher office. Alongside her, Manfred Weber, head of the EPP, framed the rule of law as a central theme in their remarks. The emphasis on Tusk’s role was clear and consistent across speeches.
She affirmed pride in his actions because they purportedly restored the rule of law in Poland.
It was a message that resonated with participants and observers at the event, highlighting the ongoing debate over the state of law and governance within Poland and its EU relations.
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SEE THE DETAILS: Focus on the rule of law, responses from the right, and von der Leyen’s candidacy supported by Tusk at the EPP congress
What critics say about Tusk’s interpretation of the rule of law
Former Prime Minister Beata Szydło referenced von der Leyen’s remarks in the context of the farmers’ protests in Warsaw, offering a counterpoint to the prevailing narrative. She quoted the president and expressed that she is proud of Tusk because she believes”he restored the rule of law in Poland”.
The discussion continued as a member of the European Parliament from the PiS group shared a post on the X platform, recounting the sentiments raised at the gathering. The broader scene included demonstrations in which the Sejm and surrounding areas became focal points for claims about legality and civil rights.
The portrayal suggested by some critics is that police actions during these events represented an overpowering state presence, while others argued for compliance with legal order and restraint. The conversation framed the situation as part of a larger evaluation of how the rule of law is applied and observed across EU member states.
Beata Szydło underscored the complexity of the issue by presenting a visual depiction of police activity during the protests, framing it as evidence in the ongoing debate over how the rule of law should function in practice.
Observers noted that public discourse sometimes paints a picture of protesters being overwhelmed by state authority, while proponents of the approach cited the need for order and lawful processes. The exchange reflects a broader political fault line within Poland and its relations with EU partners.
In related commentary, Sebastian Kaleta, a member of parliament from Sovereign Poland and former Deputy Minister of Justice, criticized what he saw as double standards and hypocrisy in EU responses to Polish governance. His remarks contributed to broader conversations about legal norms, accountability, and the balance of power between national governments and European institutions.
Overall, the narrative surrounding the rule of law in Poland remains contested. Supporters of Tusk and von der Leyen emphasize restoration and adherence to legal norms, while critics argue that the standard is applied selectively. This ongoing dialogue underscores the tension between national policy choices and EU expectations, and it continues to shape public perception of governance in Poland and its role within the European Union.
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Source: wPolityce