Poland: Investigative commission on “Russian influence” causes outrage

The law establishing the Russian Influence Investigative Commission for 2007-2022 entered into force in Poland on Wednesday, May 31. The so-called “Lex Tusk” appears to have targeted Donald Tusk, leader of the opposition Civic Platform (PO) party. Prime minister from 2007 to 2014 before becoming president of the European Council, the latter is accused by the ultraconservative Law and Justice (PiS), which has been in power in Poland since 2015, of maintaining close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. , during his tenure.

This commission, consisting of nine members elected by the Diet, can expel for ten years from any public office involving access. “public finances”or confidential information, who acted “To the detriment of the interests of the Republic of Poland”in favor of the Russian regime. The scope of activities likely to fall within the scope of the law is broad and includes, in particular, high-ranking executives or public officials. “Participated in the negotiation of an international agreement” or helped develop “Position of the Republic of Poland at international forums”.

Rejected by the Senate, the commission was deemed unconstitutional by many lawyers, as well as the Diet Legislative Office, and sparked outrage from the opposition. It also raised concerns in Washington and Brussels. The United States has said it fears the law “which could be misused to interfere with free and fair elections in Poland”. This was stated by the Vice President of the European Commission, Vera Zhurova “very concerned” before the law that could “to affect the ability of persons to perform their public duties without a fair trial.”

“politicized commission”

Polish mediator Markin Wiacek, who was received on May 29, on the set of the private TV channel TVN 24, noted. “Disagreement on several constitutional principles”. He noted that “In a country governed by the rule of law, the court imposes sanctions on actions prohibited by law at the time of their commission. This law violates both principles.”

On the same day, the President of the Republic Andrzej Duda hastened to sign the text. “Transparency in explaining important public and political issues is absolutely crucial to me”He excused himself and assured that These discussions about Russian influence are also taking place in the United States, France, as well as Germany. The President sent the law back to the Constitutional Court for review Post factum.