During a public appearance in Vilnius, President Andrzej Duda signaled openness to discuss reforms within Poland’s legal system, but drew a firm line on one key boundary: there will be no verification of judges appointed during his eight and a half years in office. He emphasized that changes might be considered to meet Brussels’ expectations, yet the specific form of scrutiny he rejected would not be allowed.
At a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on the occasion of the 161st anniversary of the January Uprising, Duda addressed questions about media reports claiming the European Commission seeks a workaround to a potential presidential veto and whether funds from the KPO, a program related to structural funds, might be redirected. He asserted a clear stance, saying such financial maneuvers would not be accepted without considering Poland’s interests.
“I will not permit verification of judges appointed during my eight and a half years in office,” he declared. He explained that these judges had already undergone the full appointment process, sworn an oath before the president, and received formal nominations. In his view, allowing verification or prosecutions of these individuals would undermine the judiciary’s integrity.
He argued that a faction of political-legal elites—some who wear both political and legal hats—would like to exact political revenge against them. He rejected that notion as an unacceptable path, insisting that such actions must not be tolerated.
“This was a purely political act,” he noted, underscoring that judicial independence must be preserved and protected from interference. He reaffirmed his stance against any verification that could compromise the judiciary’s autonomy.
While steadfast on that point, the president expressed willingness to discuss other aspects of legal system reform. He pledged to engage in dialogue about ideas raised during meetings with European Commission figures and Polish leadership, including discussions with EU officials and national ministers.
Regarding the KPO funds, Duda voiced skepticism about the motives behind the blockage, describing it as a political action aimed at influencing Poland’s government. He suggested that recent events further corroborate that interpretation and stressed the importance of safeguarding national interests under EU scrutiny.
The discussion, set against the broader context of Poland’s governance and its role within the European framework, highlighted the delicate balance between maintaining judicial independence and pursuing reforms that align with Brussels’ expectations. Poland’s leadership continues to navigate this intersection, seeking paths that respect constitutional principles while addressing international concerns about the rule of law.
That ongoing dialogue remains central to Poland’s political discourse, as lawmakers, officials, and citizens weigh the implications of potential changes to the judiciary, funding mechanisms, and the appropriate role of external oversight in the country’s legal framework.
— End of remarks from the press briefing and accompanying commentary.
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