Poland: Opposition protest against new legislation in Warsaw, July 16

Event

Fresh anti-government protests organised by left-wing opposition parties are expected to be held on Sunday, July 16 in Warsaw, in rejection of a new draft bill relating to the country's judiciary. On July 15, hundreds of protesters rallied outside the presidential palace, demanding that President Andrzej Duda veto the legislation, in addition to blocking the entrance to the Polish parliament.  

Context

On July 12, Parliament passed an amendment to a new law on the judiciary, and introduced a new draft bill relating to the judiciary, which if enacted critics argue will give the Law and Justice Party (PiS) close to full control of the constitutional body.

Critics and the centrist opposition argue that his violates the constitutional separation of powers, while the PiS says that the legislation is making the judiciary more efficient and accountable to the public. The bill requires signing by the president; if signed, the sitting Supreme Court judges will be forced to resign a day after the new legislation comes into force.

Since coming into power in 2015, a series of controversial legislative reforms by the PiS have sparked demonstrations, including a mass anti-government rally in May.

Advice

Individuals in Warsaw are advised to avoid all demonstrations and allow additional time to travel.