The European Union has launched legal action against Poland over a controversial law that critics say is designed to target opposition leader Donald Tusk. The law, known as “Lex Tusk,” was introduced by Poland’s governing conservatives just months before parliamentary elections. It establishes a panel to investigate alleged cases of corruption and influence peddling, but critics argue that it could be used to target political opponents.
The European Commission announced the infringement procedure despite Polish President Andrzej Duda saying last week that he would propose amending the law on the panel after criticism from the EU’s executive and the United States. The move is likely to further strain relations between Poland and the EU, which have been tense over issues such as the rule of law and migration.
Opposition politicians, including Tusk, are expected to be high on the list of suspects targeted by the panel. Tusk, a former Polish prime minister and president of the European Council, is challenging the ruling PiS government to return to the presidency next fall. The EU has expressed concern that the law could be used to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in Poland.
The legal action taken by the EU is a significant step in the ongoing dispute between Brussels and Warsaw over the country’s judicial reforms. The EU has previously launched infringement procedures against Poland over its controversial judicial reforms, which critics say undermine the independence of the judiciary. The dispute has led to tensions between Poland and the EU, with the Polish government accusing Brussels of interfering in its internal affairs.
