Polish president wants more powers over courts as controversy rages

WARSAW: Polish President Andrzej Duda on Monday proposed a constitutional amendment giving him more power over the judiciary in the latest twist to a reform campaign that has alarmed the EU and triggered mass protests.
Duda unveiled his own version of new judicial legislation in place of government proposals he had vetoed in July to the surprise and dismay of the ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.
"I have a proposal: I've prepared a bill to amend the constitution," Duda told reporters, adding that he had asked lawmakers to give their thoughts on the matter later Monday.
In July, Duda vetoed one proposed bill that would have reinforced political control over the Supreme Court and another allowing parliament to choose members of a body designed to protect the independence of the courts.
In his own version, Duda proposed that a minimum of 60% of lawmakers would be required to choose members of the court watchdog KRS so that no single party could dominate.
"If within two months the parliament is unable to elect members of the National Judicial Council (KRS) by a majority of three-fifths, then it would go to the president to choose the members from among the candidates presented to parliament," Duda said.
He added that he had heard from both government and opposition lawmakers that giving the president such power would be unconstitutional, which is why he was proposing amending the constitution to make it possible.
The main opposition parties Nowoczesna and Civic Platform (PO) immediately said they were against such a move.
Duda also unveiled his own version of the Supreme Court bill which too would increase his powers by letting him decide which judges can remain on the bench past the retirement age of 65.
In his draft proposal, Duda also said ordinary citizens should be able to file complaints against court decisions.
These complaints would be heard by a new special chamber that would notably also include members of the public.
The attempt by Polish leaders to overhaul the judicial system has drawn concern from the European Commission, which on Monday will assess whether there is backing among member states for unprecedented sanctions against the PiS government over the court reforms. — AFP