Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party group in the European Parliament, has declared full support for the new Polish government’s initiatives aimed at “reinstating the rule of law and rebuilding democracy in Poland.”
Speaking to the Polish Press Agency (PAP) in Brussels, the German MEP endorsed Donald Tusk’s controversial attempts to, in his view, restore democratic principles to the country. Actions taken by the government have included a crackdown on public broadcasters perceived to be too critical of the Tusk regime, while the new prime minister has also supported the detention of two conservative lawmakers, Mariusz Kamiński and Maciej Wąsik, who were seized at the Presidential Palace last week, sparking mass protests in Warsaw.
Weber emphasized the significance and challenges of the task ahead for the new government, following eight years of what he referred to as “destructive rule” by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party. He expressed complete support for the new Europhile government’s efforts to resolve the country’s rule of law crisis.
Former Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło commented on Weber’s words, suggesting that he was eagerly assisting Donald Tusk, the current head of the government, and had no doubts about his full support for Tusk’s actions. She implied that Weber’s support was expected since he played a role in Tusk’s return to Polish politics.
“I have no doubt that Herr Weber fully supports what Tusk is up to — after all, that’s why he sent him back to Poland,” wrote Beata Szydło on X.
PiS MP Kazimierz Smoliński also criticized Weber, suggesting that the German MEP approves of Tusk’s attempts to run roughshod over Poland’s rule of law. “The German gentleman likes lawlessness and anarchy in Poland. I am not at all surprised,” he posted.
The discussion revolves around the conviction of the former head of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) and former interior minister, Mariusz Kamiński, and his deputy, Maciej Wąsik.
They were sentenced to two years imprisonment on Dec. 20, 2023, for their involvement in the so-called land scandal. The case resurfaced after more than eight years following a ruling by the Supreme Court.
