The resolution by the European Parliament, backed by 510 deputies against 160 with 29 abstentions, is not binding, but is a further step in a process that could end with Poland losing its voting rights in the 28-nation bloc. In its recommendation, the Commission asked Polish authorities to appoint to the constitutional court three judges that had been lawfully chosen by the previous parliament but passed over by the new government. Warsaw says the changes to Poland's constitutional court are aimed at streamlining the institution and that it has a broad social mandate to carry out reforms. The Commission also asked Poland to publish all verdicts of the Constitutional Tribunal, as stipulated by Polish law. "The paralysis of the Constitutional Tribunal and the refusal of the Polish Government to publish all its judgements endanger democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law in Poland," the European Parliament said in a statement.

Source: The Star September 14, 2016 13:18 UTC