Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has vowed to defend Poland from criticism from the EU after it approved controversial court reforms. He said Hungary will use all possible legal means in the European Union to show solidarity with the Poles. Earlier, Poland’s Senate backed a bill that gives MPs and the justice minister the power to appoint judges.
The ruling Law and Justice Party says this will fight corruption. Critics say it will destroy judicial independence. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in recent weeks to oppose the bill, which will see all Supreme Court judges removed and replaced. Poland’s President, Andrzej Duda, will decide whether or not judges – who will be forced into retirement – can have their jobs back.
Speaking at a gathering in Romania, Mr Orban attacked critics, saying in the interest of Europe and in the spirit of the old Hungarian-Polish friendship, the inquisition campaign against Poland can never lead to success.
