"Polish judiciary has an appalling opinion, something must be done in order to change it, because 80 percent of the society thinks that a profound reform of justice system is absolutely necessary," Polish President Andrzej Duda said in Auckland on Wednesday.
Polish President was asked at a press conference after a meeting with the New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern if "EU's concerns regarding changes in the Polish judiciary could tarnish Poland's international reputation".
He replied that Poland is a country with the highest number of rulings by the European Court of Human Rights regarding excessive court proceedings. "It's a direct result of flawed organisation of the Polish judicial system. People complain because the proceedings take too long, they're drawn-out and people lose money. This also has a negative impact on business," said Duda.
He added that in the last 20 years "practically nothing has been done in order to improve this situation".
"There's absolutely no doubt that it's the human factor that needs improvement as well and this reform is being introduced at the moment by changing the retirement age of (Supreme Court) judges from 70 down to 65, which corresponds with the standard retirement age in Poland," said President Duda.
As he underlined, "it means that a group of judges, prominent figures of Polish judiciary, are losing their clout because of entering retirement and are unhappy about the situation". He added that some of those judges were members of the communist party in the past.
"There is one problem because they are rather influential people, not only in Poland but in international institutions, and 30 years have gone by. Many of these people busily erase their past or keep silent about it and therefore, there is no doubt that the procession of generations is needed," he said.
"Hence the reforms and creation of new chambers in the Supreme Court - a serious approach to disciplinary judiciary," added Polish President.
"Polish judiciary has an appalling opinion, something must be done in order to change it, because 80 percent of the society thinks that a profound reform of justice system is absolutely necessary," said Andrzej Duda.
Duda underscored that the ruling party is trying to be effective in delivering their promises from the campaign regarding "fixing the judicial system".
"These are actions that, as you can see, clash with the people whose influence is waining away but who are still strong and there is a political clash in the media sphere. It is connected with illegal activities of judges exceeding their authority, which takes place in the current Supreme Court," said President Duda.
"This, however is a transitional situation and I have hope that just like every child goes through certain illnesses, although a 30-year-old man who is going through a same sickness is usually much stronger, would have also been affected. I hope, however, that we will be healthy and not get sick again," said Mr Duda.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 International, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland | Jakub Szymczuk