US and EU criticize Polish plans for law that could keep opposition from holding office

By RAF CASERT
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The United States and the European Union’s top justice official have criticized Polish plans for a law that they say could keep political opponents from holding public office without them having the power to challenge the decision in court. The  EU also threatened to take measures if it became fully clear such a law would undermine democratic standards. Polish President Andrzej Duda said early this week he would sign a bill that critics view as a tool to remove from political life the opponents of the ruling party — mostly notably opposition leader Donald Tusk.  Experts say it violates the Polish Constitution and the opposition has called on Duda to reject it.