European Parliament: Poland's policies threaten democracy
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The European Parliament has condemned Polish government policies, saying they paralyze a top court and threaten Poland's democracy and the rule of law.
The vote Wednesday was part of European Union pressure on Poland's conservative government to find a solution to a political conflict surrounding Poland's Constitutional Tribunal. The parliament urged the government to unblock the court by publishing a recent ruling, something the government refuses to do.
The resolution, adopted by a 513-142 vote, drew criticism from Poland's ruling party lawmakers, who said it misrepresented the situation in Poland and sided with Poland's opposition parties.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The opposition said the vote was a sign that things are going in the wrong direction under the current government.
The resolution stressed all EU members must observe the bloc's values and principles.