In Strasbourg, during the ongoing plenary session of the European Parliament, a debate took place on the situation in Turkey in light of the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors. PiS MEP Arkadiusz Mularczyk spoke during the discussion.
Arkadiusz Mularczyk said that although Turkey is a key partner of the European Union, we cannot turn a blind eye to the repression of the opposition—the arrests of mayors and the elimination of political opponents under the pretext of security. “This is troubling. But before we point the finger at Ankara, let’s take a look at our own backyard,” said the PiS politician. Mularczyk also pointed out that within the EU itself, in Poland, parliamentary immunities are currently being lifted, methods of “combative democracy” are being employed, and funding for the opposition is being cut—all in the midst of an ongoing presidential campaign. Pre-trial detention is also being used. “The Tusk government is exploiting the state apparatus and the prosecutor’s office to eliminate the opposition, treating it as an internal enemy—and all this amid the telling silence of the European Union. Why hasn’t there been a debate on this issue here for a year?!” asked the MEP.
The Polish politician emphasized that human rights and democracy cannot be selective. “Let’s start by defending them within the EU before we lecture others,” he urged.
