Polish FM tells Germany not to ‘interfere’ over legal changes

Waszczykowski said that German Justice Minister Heiko Maas "is deeply mistaken and should not interfere" while the legislative process in Poland is underway.

Waszczykowski’s comments came after Maas told the Bild newspaper on Sunday that a lack of respect for the rule of law in Poland could lead to the “political isolation” of the country in the EU.

"The independence of the judiciary in Poland is threatened," Maas told Bild.

“The European Union cannot idly look by. The rule of law and democracy are the cornerstone of the EU.”

Maas voiced satisfaction that the European Commission last Wednesday said it was ready to take action against Poland for violating EU laws. The commission warned that a controversial overhaul of the country's judicial system threatened the independence of courts.

"Whoever shows so little respect for the rule of law consents to political isolation,” Maas said.

Polish President Andrzej Duda announced on Monday he would veto two controversial government-backed bills to overhaul the country’s courts, amid a political storm over the judiciary.

(pk)

Source: PAP

See Polish radio’s article on how judges are selected across Europe, including in Germany