POLISH PRESIDENT VETOS 2 OUT OF 3 CONTROVERSIAL JUDICIAL REFORMS|司改3法案擴權惹議 波蘭總統否決2案

Polish President Andrzej Duda has vetoed 2 out of 3 controversial judicial reforms that would have ended the judiciary's independence and crippled the rule of law. For many days, tens of thousands of protesters have been gathering in cities including Warsaw, holding candles and demanding that President Duda veto all 3 reform bills proposed and passed by the ruling party at the Parliament. Many believe that the reforms, if materialized, would severely undermine Polish democracy. Experts have also called the reforms unconstitutional and a breach of the division of powers. Heeding these opinions, President Duda on Monday announced to block 2 of the bills. The 2 bills would have given the executive branch power to replace Supreme Court judges. But on Tuesday he ratified the 3rd bill, allowing the Justice Minister to hire and fire lower court judges. Protesters unhappy with the half measure are calling for the protests to continue. Critics accuse the conservative, nationalist ruling party of trying to take control of the judiciary. The issue has divided the country and provoked the European Union, which threatened to impose sanctions on Poland, if the reforms were ratified. TRANSLATED BY：JEFF CHANG