During the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate was held at the initiative of the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group, focusing on allegations of the European Commission’s interference in democratic processes and elections in member states. Law and Justice MEPs Patryk Jaki and Beata Szydło took the floor during the discussion, raising issues related to, among other things, the conditionality of EU funding, freedom of speech, and the unequal treatment of political groups within the European Union.
MEP Patryk Jaki cast doubt on the European Commission’s statements regarding its lack of interference in electoral processes in member states. He addressed, among other things, the issue of the conditionality mechanism for EU funds and their release to Poland following the change of government, noting that no legislative changes had taken place in the judicial system during that time.
As he stated, these actions could be interpreted as a form of political pressure influencing democratic processes.
In his speech, the ECR co-chair also addressed the issue of published documents and correspondence regarding the European Commission’s contacts with digital platforms. He drew attention to the numerous meetings and consultations regarding the moderation of online content, highlighting the risk of excessive interference with freedom of speech. He also referred to instances where certain political statements were classified as potentially undesirable or harmful.
In conclusion, Patryk Jaki emphasized: “Freedom of speech and political pluralism should remain core values of the European Union, and EU institutions should not impose specific views on citizens or restrict public debate.”
MEP Beata Szydło focused on the unequal treatment of various political groups within the European Union and the selective approach to democratic standards.
She stated that part of the liberal-left majority in the European Parliament defines democracy exclusively through its own political views, marginalizing other positions. She also addressed decisions regarding the immunity of MEPs and the lack of debate on potential external influence on elections in member states.
In her speech, the former head of the Polish government also raised issues related to the funding of non-governmental organizations and their potential influence on the political debate in member states, pointing to the need for greater transparency in this regard.
Beata Szydło also referred to earlier political decisions in Europe, highlighting in this context the Nord Stream 2 project and its political context, including the actions and positions of Donald Tusk and then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
