Polish PM faces test in Strasbourg with EU Parliament debate
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
19.01.2016 08:52
Prime Minister Beata Szydło is defending her government's embattled status in Strasbourg on Tuesday, with a string of meetings culminating in an EU Parliament debate on the state of Polish democracy.
Марцін Шульц і Бэата Шыдлаfoto:PAP/Radek Pietruszka
The Polish prime minister sent a letter in five languages to MEPs prior to setting off for Strasbourg on Monday, arguing that the socially conservative Law and Justice government, which was sworn in in November, has not breached European standards.
Szydło's first meeting is with President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, who recently accused Law and Justice of carrying out 'Putin-style' politics. She will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski and Deputy Foreign Minister Konrad Szymański.
Later in the morning she will meet with Polish MEPs from various groups.
After midday the Polish prime minister will meet with Dutch foreign minister Bert Koenders, with the Netherlands currently holding the EU Council presidency.
The European Parliament debate begins at 4:00 pm and it is scheduled to last one and a half hours.
Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans will outline the process of the inquiry into whether the rule of law in Poland has been threatened by reforms to public media and the judiciary. The launch of the first of a three-part process was announced last week.
Polish MEPs will then have the opportunity to speak, followed by Prime Minister Szydło who will answer questions raised by MEPs. (nh/pk)