WARSAW – Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk caused political tremors after suggesting that countries unable to agree on reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights could consider withdrawing from it – a remark that the government later sought to downplay.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Tusk described immigration and its cultural consequences as major challenges for Western Europe, arguing that the “strict and increasingly broad interpretation” of the ECHR was part of the problem.
“If the 46 signatories cannot agree on reform, then withdrawal is a reasonable solution,” he said.
Government spokesman Adam Szłapka nevertheless insisted Poland “has no plans to denounce the Convention” and that Tusk’s words “did not refer to Poland.”
Still, the comments sparked criticism within the ruling coalition.
Left MP Anna-Maria Żukowska accused Tusk of undermining “the foundation of modern Europe,” noting that even the opposition no longer calls for leaving international treaties.
“The Prime Minister wants to break with the foundation of modern Europe,” she added.
Earlier this year, Poland co-signed a letter with Denmark and Italy accusing the Strasbourg court of overstepping its mandate and protecting criminals rather than victims.
