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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The European Union vs. the Government in Warsaw. The political debate around the possibility of applying Article 7 of the European Union Treaty against Poland

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Both the assumptions behind the reform of judiciary, the manner of its introducing and also other elements that influence the current perception of rule of law in Poland have recently become a topic of three plenary debates of the European Parliament. As a result, it was decided that a report on Poland would be prepared, which can offer the basis of applying Article 7, which means disciplining and punishing states that violate the European values. This has exacerbated the political atmosphere in Poland and, first of all, has affected the political debate going on in the country. It is starting to take a more and more brutal form and is characterized by a heavy load of colloquialism, negative expression, brutalization and disrespect for the adversary. Besides, it is being filled with more and more plays on words, jokes and irony. Such a debate is based on destructive premises and brings results of the same effect in practice, especially as it is often conducted also on the international arena and is closely followed by the public opinion abroad. Consequently, in discussions, instead of substantive arguments, there frequently appear expressions which bear evaluations and strong emotions.