UPDATE 02/06/2016: On Wednesday 1 June 2016, the EU Commission issued an official warning to Poland over recent changes to its constitutional court. The warning was the result of an investigation launched by the Commission in January, and is the first time that the so-called “rule of law framework” has been deployed since it was set up in 2014. Poland’s justice minister, Zbigniew Ziobro, has compared the Commission’s investigation to the occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany.
Poland now has a “reasonable time” to respond to the Commission’s opinion. If the government fails to respond satisfactorily, then the Commission may issue recommendations for specific steps it wants taken. The matter can then be passed over to EU leaders.
However, it is unlikely that Poland will face serious sanctions. Stripping Poland of its voting rights in the EU can only be agreed unanimously by all other EU Member States, and Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has already ruled out the possibility. So, what happens now? Are the Brussels and Warsaw caught in a stalemate? How can the situation be resolved?
ORIGINAL 22/02/2016: Are democratic standards sliding in some EU Member States? In 2015, the newly-elected Polish government made a series of controversial changes to the working of the country’s media and judiciary. Critics argue that the new law has effectively neutered Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal as it imposes a requirement of a two-thirds majority on rulings, as opposed to a simple majority.
In addition, the law extends the delay before the court can rule on a case from a fortnight to six months (or three in exceptional cases). The tribunal is also now required to handle cases in chronological order of receipt (instead of prioritising certain cases), and judges can be dismissed from their post by a vote in the Sejm, the Polish parliament.
The ruling Law and Justice Party argues that the changes are necessary to curtail undemocratic interfering from the court. Despite strong economic growth since Poland emerged as a democracy from under the Iron Curtain, many ordinary Poles feel dissatisfied with growing inequality in the country.
Nevertheless, we had a comment sent in from Sebastien, arguing that countries violating European democratic standards should be sanctioned (for example, by removing their voting rights in the Council).
To get a response, we spoke to Cecilia Wikström, a Swedish MEP who sits with the liberals in the European Parliament. How would she respond to Sebastien’s suggestion?
When you become a member of the European Union you have to fulfill the so-called Copenhagen criteria, part of which is upholding Article 2 in the treaties. In other words, you have to uphold fundamental rights, rule of law, democracy, and so on and so forth. But if you breach those values there is no practical way of sanctioning you at the moment. There is, of course Article 7 in the treaties [which allows the suspension of rights, including voting rights], but that requires a unanimous vote among the Member States, and you will never get that. It’s absolutely impossible to get.
So, yes, Sebastian is right. We should forsee a situation where we actually have a mechanism that monitors member states annually, and sees whether they are in compliance of Article 2 of the treaties or in breach. And if they are in breach, it should really cost. I fully support that idea…
On the other hand, we also had a comment sent in from Ironworker, asking whether it shouldn’t be up to majority of voters in a given country to decide what democratic rules they want to follow. He argues that foreign interventions in the democratic workings of an EU Member State are completely unacceptable.
We spoke to Rebecca Harms, a German MEP and Co-Chair of the Group of Greens / European Free Alliance. What would she say?
All governments have a mandate based on their majorities, so normally if citizens are not satisfied then at the next election they don’t support the government. That is one part of the picture. The other part of the picture is that Poland is part of the European Union, which means it must subscribe to European values, which should also be based on common norms concerning what rule of law means and when a given political development is in conflict with the rule of law and norms of democratic states.
This is a very difficult, because the democratic systems of the Member States are different and were created in different contexts. However, based on our negative experience and our discussions with Hungary, we have created for the EU a new instrument – the famous ‘Rule of Law Mechanism’. So, because we have seen similar developments in Poland as in Hungary, we have activated the mechanism and an investigation will take place. We should wait until the results of that investigation have been published.
Finally, we had a comment sent in by Alexandru, arguing that the rise of so-called “illiberal democracies” was due to the lack of a strong European identity and an agreement on what “democratic values” should actually look like.
To get a reaction, we spoke to Aleks Szczerbiak, Professor of Politics and Contemporary European Studies Director of Doctoral Studies in Law, Politics and Sociology at the University of Sussex. How would he respond?
The central problem is that within the scope of what people would call a ‘liberal democracy’, there’s actually a huge amount of variety and debate. We’re often talking about questions that are highly contested, where there are different models and systems even within so-called liberal democracies.
If you have a country that obviously does not meet democratic standards, then it’s easy. But when you have a debate about different choices that arguably can be made within a liberal democracy, or the extent of that liberalism, then that’s when the problem starts. Because it then assumes, firstly, that there is a single model of liberal democracy for those in the European Union, and, secondly, that it’s the Commission and the European institutions that should determine what that should be. Both of these are, obviously, highly contested notions.
Should Poland’s EU voting rights be suspended? Are democratic standards sliding in some EU Member States? Let us know your thoughts and comments in the form below, and we’ll take them to policymakers and experts for their reactions!
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Wäre großartig.
………….ja aber nur für erblindete Europhiles, Bürokraten, Paragraphenreitern und Akten(un)menschen!
It could well be that Poland is “sliding downhill” when it comes to democracy (I have not been following the issue). However, imagine that a group of people is not allowed to vote anymore because the gorvernment thinks their religion sucks. You cannot defend democracy by taking away the right to vote. Likewise, here in Belgium, people who express opionions which do not correspond to state dogma are persecuted and locked up, all in the name of democracy. You cannot defend democracy against systems like fascism by using the very tools those systems use to keep power.
When you have mass immigration, you have a sudden “shift” in traditional moors and values. No one saw any possible complications with flooding Western Europe with millions of Muslim immigrants whose basic value system is based on an entirely different set of presumptions?
No!
The EU should NOT be involved in such events UNTIL the EU enhances its own currently very poor democratic credentials!
Absolutely correct,it is grossly hippocritical of the unelected EU heads to criticise any country whilst they themselves continue to ignore the reults of referendums and consistently act in their own interests,ignoring the increasing anger they are responsible for causing
Christ Almighty…a country making its own rules whatever next?
If the EU “understand” british actions, why don’t try to understand polands?…Why don’t you look inside to see if there is something wrong in your policies.
The same in Croatia . Elections was scam and the current Prime Minister of Croatia is Tihomir Orešković never elected .
Germany should be suspended not other countries! Germany is a danger for Europe traditional culture and identity
Poland should exit EU as soon as possible. The faster – the better.
And return all of the EU money it received? Poland would still be a backwater if it were not for EU funds and inward private investment from outside of Poland. Jimi – are you in Poland?
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Merkel invites millions of migrants, thieves, molesters & rapists to Schengen without asking anyone & breaking every EU rule in the book but the European Commission looks to ‘punish’ Poland ?
Just another power grab by the unelected & antidemocratic European Commission.
You cant be serious asking such question. “Debating Europe” is reading and listening only extremely left-sided press of Poland :-) Please remember, that there is also other part of Society in Poland, which have selected the Government. It is the choice of Poles.
It’s not the choice of all the Poles. In fact, only 30% of the electorate voted PiS in. So, whereas the election was fair and square, it would be hard to argue by you or anyone, that PiS is operating under the mandate of the Polish people. It is not, specially since they refuse to engage in dialogue with the opposition (which is what they should do because of the low number of voters who handed them victory). PiS cannot go on ignoring the other Poles, who didn’t vote for them, and who are not in agreement with their actions.
The EU is a joke. If Poland`s voting rights are to be suspended, than Warsaw should notr pay its membership fee. ;)
@Jokera Jokerov
Poland [a country I very much like BTW] is NOT a net EU contributor i.e. it gets more from the EU than it gives.
If The Poles leave then will the UK stay in the EU as the 1m Poles living in the U.K will then have to leave. It was always about immigration.
Yes
Suspending voting Rights is always and will always be wrong.
However, strict financial punishment as well as a big warning to throw them out if they won’t cooperate in the Future might be a way to go.
Interesting, when ultra left liberals control ALL media that is democratic, when conservative right do the same, THAT IS SLIDING OF DEMOCRATIC STANDARDS!?!? Unbelievable!
Who cares? The polish voted on them right? Now deal with tge result. The EU is not a central government and should be reminded of that.
Yes, in my view a sanction should be applied. I don’t know what sanction is more suitable to be applied in these cases, but it is right to apply it, even a monetary fine should be done. Because it is right that every member states should respect the democratic rule of law.
Massimo,you think they should be fined.I would suggest that in response to this Poland refuses to pay,.
If further threats ensue they should simply not respond and promptly tell Germany and the EU “where to go ”
Why should Poland go against the wishes of those who elected their leaders, you might do well to remember that the EU leaders were not elected by voters in the countries of Europe and there is no way to de-select them…..is there.
So what is so democratic about the hippocritical EU.?
@Ericbana: Poland telling the EU where to go?? Don’t make me laugh. It’s the other way around, buddy. If Poland (or any other member country) doesn’t want to play by the rules, then they should leave. But, they know they can’t, as they’re not a rich country, say, like Norway or Switzerland. Of course sanctions will work, go ask Putin.
@D.E. Thank you for mention my comment. Hungary was without the doubt for years “the naughty one” among the 28’s and I don’t recollect too much criticism from Bruxelles against Orban. I guess the whole story with this future investigation the famous ‘Rule of Law Mechanism’ a bit late and a bit unfair while European Commission “tortured” a full decade Romania and Bulgaria with the infamous CVM. Never understood why the so-called “Political Integration” and “Ever closer Union” mean EPP only political priorities applied to large scale.
Regarding Poland, I strongly believe in the non-negotiable right of Poland to choose. Even if that mean losing voting rights.
Ok, the polish people elected polish govt. They did not elect the E.U. this article seems more like a slur because Poland stood its ground on the migrant issue and didn’t cave in to Merkel and her cronies.
The European sovereign national states delenda sunt
No, Poland voting rights should not be suspended. The way Western European countries treat the Eastern and South European countries – sanctions, suspended rights, not asking for anything and assuming that we are always wrong – will soon or later lead to the end of the European Union. Western countries make more critical mistakes – for example they invited the migrants and now then sent them back- and all we pay these mistakes.
How can you mix up government interference with the judiciary and accepting refugees from war zones, one is against Everything the EU stands for the other is mandatory (subject to rules on deciding if the applicants are legitimate) if a member of the UN. Get a grip.
Only when Britain’s voting rights be suspended !
@Doru Adonis Izuel
That ain’t gonna happen as the UK is the 2nd biggest net EU contributor.
Why Poland? Why not Spain or Hungary, the European Central Bank, lobbies or multinational corporations for that matter?
The democratic principles of freedom, equality and justice have been in a nefarious downward spiral in many EU Member States and the EU itself since the start of this interminable crisis, as have the fundamental EU principles of diversity, cohesion and sustainability. We are coming dangerously close tho the radical left-right divides and xenophobic fear-mongerings that spawned the World Wars 100 years ago.
Democracy is not about majority rule, it is about protecting minorities, and the only minority the EU seems to be interested in protecting at the moment is the 1% who neither need nor merit it.
Unless we transform the EU together, to be truly of the people, by the people and for the people, it has neither justification nor future.
Should Germny’s rights be suspended? They did not meet any agreement on the refugee crisis and failed. Now they demand for everyone to pay/follow their politics. “What else could we do?” ask the idiots! There are good examples just open your eyes and do suck up your pride that is saying you are superior/smarter/etc than the east people: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/16/magazine/how-to-build-a-perfect-refugee-camp.html?_r=0
What for? Poland is what we need in this cabal of States who are afraid to take a shite without the backing of the traitors to our nations.
Get rid of all those who should not be here, those who are not Europeans, if you are looking to suspend. You have Europe in chaos and on the verge of civil war yet you want to suspend Poland, a great fighting nation. Sounds WWII to me.
the EU fails in fact to establish the responsabilities for all the EU countries, because it has failed to set up a just integration process!!! the countries that had later joined the EU will never catch up with the rest !! if you realy look at it, the negotiations that have taken place, between the existing EU members, and thoes that entered afterwords, were just shy of loan-sharking !!! with the countries being “relived” of their economical and law making capabilities … in the favour of !! the “big economies “, wihich include some ” not so big” or resourceful conutries !! with short working hours and big social help…
So! are some decisions not democratic ? shure!! is the EU democratic??? …hmm ! NOT IN MY OPINION!!!
it is a corporatist monopoly of high payed workforce!! from wich can benefit some(older members) not so productive market economies that only add cost to the EU net income per capita !! living of the big/productive economies, these economies include Poland !!! and that is why it wouldn`t be a simple call
these countries are just reacting to the “blue banana” supremacy :)
Why not punish Greece for having elected the extreme left ?
No- live with them!
“Cecilia Wikström”…………an unanimous vote among the Member States- is absolutely impossible to get.” Yes Cecilia, how right you are & why?
One should never serve two masters! Since countries transcended from a state of innocent obedience of sovereignty to a state of guilty disobedience to the EU- gullible politicians thought to have captured a “Faustian bargain”- forgetting however to include the legendary “escape clause” (from hell)!
Ok seriously now, Britain, Poland, is that “unity through diversity”?
It is a start
ma perchè gli altri Paesi votano ??? Anche la Grecia aveva votato ! . La UE è il peggior incubo della storia umana, inventato dagli USA. Vorremmo dire basta a questo mostro !
What a hell is going on now in Europe? It that a joke?
It’s not about the punishment for the elections choice.
It’s about a breach of existing law and UE values.
Eu funds shold be suspended
Hahaha, I have the feeling that democratic standards are slining in EU as an organisation itself not only in some members…
So they are supposedly looking to punish Poland for not being democratic, by being undemocratic… Good job…
Yes, this gov should be punished with severe means !
And Brexit?
Yes. And the cohesion funds as well. As soon as that happens Kaczynsky will stop playing the bullying dictator.
why is EU denying democraty ?
The EU have helped prevent many environment issues and health, also many people (3.5 million) will loose their job. Which means no money.
Do you have information on anyone analizing what the EU is doing wrong so these governments rise up? Do we citizens want the EU? Hell yes! Mobility is fantastic! However..I don’t feel we want our governments to work unilaterally…like they do. If Poles have voted this government it is not because they are crazy…it is obvious that their context is different and we should ask how to deal with these different situations in member states so the outcome works for at least a 90% of the citizens. Come on…they joined EU 12 years ago after a comunist regime…they have lost its country more than twice in the last two centuries..their feelings are very complex regarding their sovereignty…so let’s be constructive and try to build bridges…The current government is too extrem but, it has to be redpected and the game has to be played fairly and wisely. If the west wanted to know the east…some people don’t even know Bulgary Poland or Hungary are in the EU…
NO! Now it is more important than anything for the EU to avoid internal discords.
If the EU was people-centric and ethical then everybody would like it and no-one would disagree. Fix the corporation-centric and banking-centric flaws and go pro-people. What government serving the people and EU citizens can argue or disagree with that? Of course the corporations and banks would disagree but they would get over it and adhere to the new regulations or lose their trade and license to trade.
I am Polish and I am infuriated by the actions of the Polish government. Glad I emigrated, not planning on going back. Please continue putting pressure on the government, because right now I think it’s the only solution that might actually work.
What upsets me the most is the arrogance of the Polish authorities and shortsightedness of the policies. There is no more public debate plus none of the promises from before the elections are actually fulfilled. Just 100 days in office brought restrictions on freedom of speach as well as freedom of press. Bills being secretly passed in the middle of the night. Not to mention the disgusting disregard for freedom of religion, LGBT rights, women’s rights and environmental protection. This is not normal, this can not continue. I want Poland to have a bright future but it doesn’t seem possible at this point.
Where was “Sebastien” when the previous ruling party (so called liberal PO) broke democratic rules in June 2015.The current government is willing to solve this issue but reaching to the agreement with PO is impossible.Where have authors of this article derived news about Poland?I presume it comes from the false report of the previous ruling party,whose members can’t accept the defeat of election.
No.
I as Poles living in Britain can clearly see the problem with Poland. The PiS (or if you prefer the ‘Law and Justice’ party) does exactly what their name suggests: they create new laws and create justice, BUT, there is a BIG BUT, with how they exercise it. For me, Poland is a cynical example of so called part of the third wave of democratization. I mean my university teach us about this great triumph of democracy… but in Poland there wasn’t one. The only reason why Poland transformed into a democratic state was by the Solidarnosc movement, which probably wouldnt succeed if there wasnt Polish Pope who was placed by the Catholic Church. So there, we go explained ‘democracy’ in Poland.
Overall, my point is that we need educate EUROPEAN VALUES. Poland is the exactly example of why we should do this. Britain is another example of why we should exercise and reinforce EUROPEAN VALUES. EUROPEAN VALUES, I believe, are about treating other people with a sense of equality, dignity. As a Pole myself, I wish that the European Union should exercise as much power as possible in order to restore the concept of ‘UNION’ within the European Union. If this means that it will suspend Poland’s EU voting rights, so beat it. I am for the triumph of equality, and I believe that is the exact objective of European Union. Thank you.
ridiculous that polish people can bring their children from poland and claim child benifit when the british government are trying to stop pensioners from living in spain from more than four weeks at a time.
i.e. stopping all pension credit which for a lot of pensioners is an absoloute lifeline. Dont get me wrong most polish people are hard working and good at whatever they do it is the one I was telling you about that gives you all a bad name.
Would it make any difference if they were ?
But no ,every country has the right of self determination ,the EU is maybe getting involved too much in the internal politics of member states .
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Democracy is Dead, All Hail the EU !
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=569834233194297&set=pb.100005031758493.-2207520000.1464853202.&type=3&theater
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Rule by the unelected is not a democracy, it is a dictatorship.
Time for us to leave the EU..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN9EC3Gy6Nk
“Stripping Poland of its voting rights in the EU can only be agreed unanimously by all other EU Member States”
To those who keep using the word “dictatorship” – I don’t think it means what you think it means…
I find this suggestion abhorrent.
This is not the way to handle problems.
To Hell this Tyrannic E.U. ! – See how they Destroyed the Greek Citizens ! – The “Next” is You ! ………….. “LEAVE-2-LIVE !”
Greece 2016…Under E.U’s Tyranny …! https://i2.wp.com/news.makedonias.gr/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DIANOMH_TROFIMON_SE_APOROYS_EPIXEIRHSIAKO_PROGRAMMA_EPISITISTIKH_01_06_2016.limghandler.jpg?fit=870%2C470&ssl=1
Greece 2016…Under E.U’s Tyranny …! https://i2.wp.com/news.makedonias.gr/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DIANOMH_TROFIMON_SE_APOROYS_EPIXEIRHSIAKO_PROGRAMMA_EPISITISTIKH_01_06_2016.limghandler.jpg?fit=870%2C470&ssl=1
No.its democracy..and poland is right
Should EU be suspended?
And thats why everyone hates Empire… Go back to economics and leave law regulation to members.
And thats why everyone hates Empire… Go back to economics and leave law regulation to members.
so what?…wh cares what unelected eu toe rags sya??…not me..Poland should tell them t feck off.
so what?…wh cares what unelected eu toe rags sya??…not me..Poland should tell them t feck off.
If anyone has needed a last proven, what the eu is really handles as a problem, there it is.
Not the millions of immigrants into the social full care system, but the v4 group and other “disturbers”.
Yes.
Go ahead and get rid of cathonationalist madness
Sure dude. Soon yr mother will have to wear burrka u fool. Lets be honest Poland and Hungary is the last standing pillar of europe values which was build on Christian religion. One day you will run to Poland for protection from muslim people who will take over countries like germany, france, belgium,sweden etc in less then 30 years. Mark my words.
This suspension would be the end of EU. Absurd. Even the question is a nonsense.
Down with the EU.
suspending an entire nation the right of voting shouldn’t be a decision of a dozen of eurocrats! If it is a serious question all europeans should be requested to vote and decide the suspension
Yes! Definitely.
Screw EU if it acts like that.
The Polish whored their souls and national identity to their ‘Pimp’ the United States, they have copied them by moving the Rights of Power upwards to protect their elites, exactly as is the case in America whilst throwing the crusts of racism and xenophobia to their ignorant population to keep them distracted.
poland, hungary and croatia should leave the eu until they accept the values eu is built upon. the question is, why dont they!?
And what values is that? Allowing milions of God knows who comming to eu without any checks? Calling terrorist attacks an incidents? Allowing no-go zones with radical islamist operating in the main cities in europe? Hidding the facts about many rapes in colony ( germany) on new year eve from public? Allowing migrants to rape swedish womans in the scale never seen in europe? Allowing antifa destroying and devastating cities of europe? U could learn something form countries like Poland, Hungary, Croatia. Dnt make me laugh my friend
The reasons of the law or the reasons of the States?
The reasons of the law or the reasons of the States?
Why don’t states have to sign human rights, when they want to join the EU ??? And if they sign, why don’t they get sanctions ?? We are in the 3rd Millenium, and how they act is like dictatories. Clear Rules. Clear Incentives. We want human rights, democratic rights in EU . http://www.WWSEEP.com we need welfare, and cooperation.
Why don’t states have to sign human rights, when they want to join the EU ??? And if they sign, why don’t they get sanctions ?? We are in the 3rd Millenium, and how they act is like dictatories. Clear Rules. Clear Incentives. We want human rights, democratic rights in EU . http://www.WWSEEP.com we need welfare, and cooperation.
why the fck is europe screwing eachother over and helping the middle east instead? dumbasses
UK and EU should be disbanded.
qualcuno di noi europei ha eletto la Commissione Europea ? Se sbagliano possono essere indagati da qualche organo?Ci sono organi eletti che posso controllare o sindacare la Commissione Europea ?
YES if there is clear evidence that they sabotage democracy .
Eu does sabotage democracy. 100% agreed. Comunist left dictators
Yes
Now wait Government Terrorists Group next start with cooperation with NATO and Western Media, do whatever they what , to Russia and former Eastern block, just until whatever themselves want, being given to them. 8| I feel pity for citizen of Western Countries, which should bear such M.F government as their democratically elected representative :D
Actually it would be better if they were just forbidden access to the market during the extremist mandate… after all the main reason behind the EU is to prevent events like the one’s in the 30’s from taking place again… (and those were elected governments too). If they won’t do what is human and civilised, then they must be sidelined… they can always come back when they decide to be reasonable… same for Hungary, Denmark, and Austria should get a small beating for getting everyone scared… Finally the Visegrad group should also be sanctioned for humiliating us
U r delusional dude. If we dnt want another war like in 30’s we shoudnt allowed milions of migrants ( young man ) without any checks in europe. Poland with V4 are the last standing pillar of europe. Time will show how mistaken u was , dnt worry u can always run to Poland for protection from muslim soldiers of Allah.
Polish friends…………..go and tell the EU to go to hell.
We will do it :) thank u
Well done Poland!Proud of you guys!
Well done
Oh yeah? Since when was the EU Council/committee ‘democratic’ themselves? Vote LEAVE for crying out loud and rid us once and for all of this socialist dictatorship.
No why should they?
Get out of the EU
Get out of the EU
No never. Why?
Yes.
And 3 posts above you ask “How has the EU become so unpopular?”
How has the values, upheld by the European have become so unpopular in Poland?
No, please suspend only the money they are giving to the EU.
Yes, Poland’s voting rights should be suspended, as it does not currently meet the criteria for being a member. Poland signed up to these criteria when it joined the EU and joining is not obligatory. If it had no intention of keeping its commitments it shouldn’t have joined. There are benefits to being a member but there are obligations as well and part of this issue is how the EU is being represented in Poland and beyond. So, it shouldn’t be a matter for a unanimous decision but suspension should happen automatically.
In terms of a government being voted out democratically, this is not necessarily the case because while they are in government people can change election law in order to ensure their own re-election. Thus Putin and Erdogan cannot be voted out.
In terms of Ironworker’s comment that the EU should not intervene or that it is a Nazi intervention as the Polish government has said…, EU membership should be a guarantee for democracy. Once they have joined (and I would like to repeat again that joining is not obligatory and countries know what they are signing up to at the time of joining) member-states should be expected to show a commitment to following a democratic path but there should also be a guarantee for citizens that now they are EU citizens their rights cannot be taken away by a short-term government and that the EU will step in to speak for the commoner and defend her rights.
There is another comment further up that as long as people vote in favour of a certain law through a referendum there shouldn’t be a problem. Well, there is because the average common citizen is not a law expert and they don’t know about these things. Apart from the fact that democracy goes by majority but expects the protection of minority rights as well. There is currently this debate precisely going on in Greece. The Greek constitution demands a specifically elected parliament to vote any constitutional changes and does not allow for referendums except for consultational purposes. The only government that has changed the Greek constitution in the past based on a referendum has been the military junta, totally undemocratic rule using perfectly democratic means in order to deprive people of their own democratic rights. It is widely accepted that referendums are a means of getting a desired result by manipulating public opinion voting against their own interests on topics they have little understanding of. And a truly democratic constitution should have the necessary provisions to prevent such a situation (by specifically listing the issues that a referendum can be sought in).
Suspend Poland now.
“Poland signed up to these criteria when it joined the EU” which one ? That Poland will have to take thousands of so called refugees cos germany decided invite them to eu( whithout asking others countries if they are ok with it?) Its like i will live next to u and decide to have a house party ( rave) .i will ask 100 random people on the street to come to my party and stay over for as long they want. Then after they arrived in my house i realise that i cant have 100 random people living with me cos there is no space in my yard. The guests behave badly in my house. So i come out with great solution. I will go and knock on Yasmine door and force her to take 60 people from my party in to her house so they can live there. If you dnt agree to my idea then i will force you to move out of our street. Its that fair on you?
Democracy is not a suicide pact, so states damaging their democracy in a democratic way should face consequences.
The EU is not perfect but saying that it should first enhance its own democracy before trying to intervene in countries defying democracy is like saying that prosecution of all thefts schould be put on hold until all murders are solved.
As for Hungary not voting for sanctions against Poland: The solution is simple. Prepare sanctions for both Poland and Hungary together and they cannot help each others misguided government.
So that is democratic? Sanction Hungary also so they cant vote againts the Polish sanctions? That is communist style move which sick liberals would love to do. But right now my communist friend there is few more countries who will voted againts sanctions. What u gonna do? Sanction them all ? Lol
The EU needs to be serious with rebel members and set ultimatum for them once and for all. If they wanted to stay they need to play by the rules. If they want to leave, they will have to pay the price. Just like the Brexit, which is going to be very expensive for Britain.
Which rules? The one when germans invited milions of migrants( young man mainly) to eu without any checks and without any consultations with other eu members? U cant be that blind
Suspended? I think Poland should be removed from the European union. It seems clear that Poland no longer subscribes to the values established in the union.
Hahahahahah and what values is that? Stop dreaming boy
Yes, except it may antagonise the Poles, the populace that is. Best withold funds, help the opposition and educate.