A European Parliament resolution targeting Poland over the rule of law is based on “lies, false information and insinuations,” the Polish government spokesman said on Thursday morning.

The First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, speaks during a debate on the rule of law in Poland at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA/PATRICK SEEGER

Speaking to public broadcaster Polish Radio 1, Rafał Bochenek suggested that the resolution was partially the work of Poland’s opposition politicians, whose purpose he said was “to denigrate and humiliate Poland” on the international arena.

The European Parliament on Wednesday debated the rule of law and democracy in Poland and said the situation in the country posed a “clear risk of a serious breach” of the European Union’s values. MEPs also voted to trigger the first stage of the “Article Seven” procedure.

'Scandal'

Ryszard Terlecki, deputy Speaker of Poland's lower house of parliament, said that "it is a scandal" that some Polish MEPs “voted against their own country,” by supporting the European Parliament's resolution targeting Poland.

“They are not patriots," Terlecki, who heads the parliamentary caucus of the ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, told private broadcaster TVN24 on Thursday morning.

"This is overstepping all boundaries," he added.

Meanwhile, Senate Speaker Stanisław Karczewski has tweeted that the practice of "besmirching Poland in the European Parliament has hit rock bottom.”

'Where is respect for democracy?': president

President Andrzej Duda has also taken to social media over the issue. "The behaviour and language of MEPs from the PO [Civic Platform, Poland’s largest opposition party] and their coalition partners within the EP is unacceptable."

“This is the language of lies that strike Poland, the Polish people and our right to choose,” Duda said on Twitter.

"Where is respect for democracy?" he wrote.

Ruling party spokeswoman Beata Mazurek has tweeted: "France under a state of emergency; Germany unable to form a government, Britain bound for Brexit; Spain risking a breakup; terrorist attacks, problems with migrants, meanwhile the EP adopts a resolution on Poland. Is this normal?"

In its resolution, the European Parliament voiced concern over the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, and fundamental rights in Poland.

(gs/pk)

Source: PAP