The law could be misused to “interfere with free and fair elections in Poland”: the EU and the USA have sharply criticized a planned law.
The US government has expressed concern over a controversial law in Poland that would set up a commission of inquiry into Russian interference. The law could be misused to “interfere with free and fair elections in Poland,” according to a statement released by the US State Department on Monday night.
“We share the concern expressed by many observers that this law establishing a commission to investigate Russian interference could be used to prevent opposition politicians from running for office without due process.”
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders described the project on Tuesday in Brussels as “particularly worrying”. We will not hesitate to take action if necessary.
Critics fear discrediting of Donald Tusk
Critics accuse the national-conservative PiS government of using the law, a few months before the parliamentary elections in the fall, primarily to discredit opposition leader and former head of government Donald Tusk.
According to the draft law, a commission of inquiry will examine whether public officials succumbed to Russian influence in the years 2007 to 2022 and made decisions that harmed the country’s security. This includes, for example, entering into contracts that could favor Russian influence and passing on relevant information to third parties.
Blocking from office provided as a punishment
The Commission should also be able to impose penalties. Among other things, it can ban officials from holding an office for a period of up to ten years if this office also involves control over public funds. There is no provision for an appeal.
The commission is to be composed of nine people appointed by the lower house of the Polish parliament, the Sejm. The PiS has the majority there.
Former EU Council President Donald Tusk was Polish Prime Minister from 2007 to 2014. The PiS government accuses him, among other things, of having concluded unfavorable gas contracts with Russia.
