“A few moments ago, the Sejm passed a disgraceful gag law, which sends the Polish justice system back to the depths of the PRL era. At this point, a common stance from all opposition groups is needed, a single voice that will show public opinion that we are all on the same side, on the side of a democratic Poland, on the side of Poland that desires further integration with the EU. Hence, our joint demand and expectation from the president for an immediate meeting with representatives of the opposition clubs to present arguments that will help the president make the only correct decision, which is to veto this disgraceful law,” said Civic Coalition club leader Borys Budka at a press conference in the Sejm.

“This disgraceful law has nothing to do with justice system reform. It certainly does not serve the justice system. It serves only and solely Law and Justice, it serves the purpose of subordinating the justice system to one political party. All of this has happened before in the PRL, in totalitarian regimes. The hysteria accompanying pro-government media, where they condemn the Supreme Court’s ruling without mercy, is not surprising. The ruling, in fact, is a consistent implementation of what the CJEU ruled, namely that it is the Supreme Court that should assess whether the Disciplinary Chamber is a court within the meaning of the law. Therefore, we organized a round table on changes in the judiciary,” said Sejm Deputy Speaker Piotr Zgorzelski from PSL-Koalicja Polska.

“For the first time this parliamentary term, we stand together, standing in the conviction that today the Polish constitution has been trampled upon. The opposition is convinced that the request sent to President Duda will be a testament that not all doors have been closed today to defend the Polish justice system and Polish judges. We cannot allow judges to be muzzled and verdicts to be politicized,” said Left club leader Krzysztof Gawkowski.