Poland's President Duda vetoes judicial reforms after protests

[Rhiannon12866]

Source: BBC

Polish President Andrzej Duda has announced he is vetoing a controversial law to replace Supreme Court judges with government nominees.

Three key judicial reforms have been passed by Poland's parliament, prompting days of demonstrations across the country.

Before they became law, they required approval by the president.

The changes have also set Poland's right-wing government on a collision course with the European Union.

The European Commission had threatened to impose sanctions this week if the reforms were not scrapped. European Council President Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister, had warned of a "black scenario that could ultimately lead to the marginalisation of Poland in Europe".

"As president I don't feel this law would strengthen a sense of justice," Mr Duda said in a statement broadcast on national television.

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40703909#

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Candlelit protests have taken place for several nights in a row in dozens of Polish cities REUTERS

[rpannier]

1. As much as I dislike Walesa

His presence at the protests was a huge event and likely put tremendous pressure on Duda to Veto

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I think this is pretty remarkable news

And I also think you're right, he has a huge following...

[StevieM]

5. Why do you dislike Walesa?

I thought he was far less of a Reaganite than Havel in the Czech Republic was.

Maybe I am a little lacking when it comes to understanding politics in Eastern Europe right after the Cold War ended.

[rpannier]

8. He's anti-LGBT

[mwooldri]

3. I'm glad it got vetoed.

Laws like this pour gasoline onto the flames of Brexit, and support the cause of EU separatists everywhere.

[nikibatts]

4. Don't tell me protests in the street don't work.

[dalton99a]

7. Precisely.

That was fucking outrageous

[MBS]

6. Excellent news.

And I have no doubt that those street protests made a difference.