Poland: independence of justice questioned

Audio 02:34

By: Thomas Giraudeau Follow

Is this the end of the separation of powers in Poland? The question has arisen very seriously since the head of state, Andrzej Duda, promulgated on February 4 a new law on justice: the "muzzle law" as his opponents call it.

Publicity

This "muzzle law" allows the political power, via a disciplinary body which it controls, to punish very harshly all the judges who dare to criticize the judicial reforms carried out by the government. They risk payroll deductions, being suspended, or even dismissed.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has given Poland until today, February 13, to explain this reform, before possible sanctions. In the meantime, on the spot, it is disarray and worry, on the side of the judges and lawyers.

Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox

Download the app

• Poland
• Justice