There is firm confidence in the Russian Influence Commission. The process to verify the reach of Russian propaganda, espionage, or influence agents matters greatly, and the commission’s decisions will be reviewed by independent courts, according to Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki after his meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister.
On Wednesday Morawiecki traveled to The Hague to meet Prime Minister Mark Rutte. At the press conference, the leaders discussed Poland’s rule of law and the law signed by President Andrzej Duda earlier in the week, which establishes a commission to examine Russian influence in Poland and its effects on bilateral relations.
Difficult subjects
Rutte noted that the talks touched on challenging issues, including the status of Polish workers in the Netherlands.
The independence of the judiciary remains a principal concern; the Dutch leader observed that Poland has taken steps in this area.
He referenced the law on the Supreme Court that was sent to the Constitutional Court by President Duda, addressing matters related to judicial responsibility.
He added that some of these concerns may be resolved in the discussions ahead.
Regarding the Russian Influence Committee, Rutte emphasized that Poland has the right to craft such legislation.
There is interest in addressing fears expressed by individual politicians. This topic was part of the talks as well.
Tip for Europe
Morawiecki underscored the need to assess and verify Russia’s influence across the continent. The move would be prudent, given how pervasive Russian propaganda and disinformation can be. The verification of Russia’s influence, propaganda, and agents of influence is considered highly important.
On the matter of governance, there is assurance that a person subject to verification will not be barred from standing for election in the Sejm, for instance. The goal is to remove any doubt; in the speaker’s view, such doubts are unwarranted. He stated that every decision of the committee will ultimately be reviewed by independent courts — not by a single body, but by two separate institutions, ensuring there is no risk of political manipulation during the electoral process.
Morawiecki added that it is clear the committee’s rulings will be examined by the judiciary.
Earlier this year, the Sejm approved a law establishing the State Commission for the Study of Russian Influences on Poland’s Internal Security during the years 2007 to 2022. The commission began forming in December of the previous year. Proponents from PiS pointed out that the commission would operate with principles similar to those used for the verification of Warsaw’s privatization. Later, the Senate passed a resolution to reject that bill, a move which the Sejm overruled in May. President Duda signed the law on the following Monday and it was recorded in the Journal of Laws on the ensuing Tuesday. The law took effect the next day.
gah/PAP