“Is this democracy? Is this the rule of law? That Eurocrats from Brussels dictate what the government should be? Who should choose the governments: the people or Brussels with Berlin? This is not the rule of law, this is not democracy,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said today about Ursula von der Leyen’s words concerning Poland and Italy.
Morawiecki was today in Świdnik and was asked about Ursula von der Leyen’s statement. The head of the European Commission recalled that Poland would not receive money from the KPO unless it complied with a “judicial order to restore the independence of the judiciary.” In addition, she warned Italy of the consequences of departing from democratic principles. This was widely perceived by both politicians and the media as a threat and interference in Italy’s internal affairs.
“Mrs von der Leyen’s statement was scandalous. She said that Brussels has the tools to discipline Italy if it appoints a government that is not to Brussels’ liking. I have an appeal to the citizens of EU countries: Is this the kind of Europe we want? Is this democracy? Is this the rule of law? That Eurocrats from Brussels dictate what the government should be? Who should choose the governments: the people or Brussels with Berlin? That is not the rule of law, that is not democracy. It is a dictate and no rule of law!” the Polish Prime Minister, said.
“We will check whether agreements will indeed be kept on the side of the European Commission. I welcome this situation that is going through the EU (…) We will always defend Polish sovereignty. If our political competitors do not speak out on this issue, it will be the greatest testimony to the kind of Europe they want,” he added.
On Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen at Princeton University in the United States delivered a warning to Italy’s right wing.
“My approach is that whatever democratic government is willing to work with us, we’re working together,” von der Leyen said. She responded to a question on whether there were any concerns concerning the upcoming elections in Italy. “If things go in a difficult direction, I’ve spoken about Hungary and Poland, we have tools,” she added. (reuters.com)