Poland's Controversial Commission Takes Aim at Opposition Leader Tusk Amidst Election Tensions

Poland's lawmakers confirmed the candidates for a controversial commission aimed at examining Russian influence in the country. The commission, established by the Nationalist Law and Justice party, is believed to be targeting the opposition and its leader, Donald Tusk, ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. The law proposes to investigate whether politicians made decisions under Russia's influence between 2007 and 2022 that could threaten Poland's security. All nine candidates for the commission were named by the Law and Justice party, with no participation from the opposition.

The ruling party, which has been in power since 2015, will seek an unprecedented third term in the upcoming elections, facing off against Tusk and his centrist opposition coalition. Critics argue that the commission would have unconstitutional powers, including the ability to exclude officials from public life for a decade. The European Union (EU) has taken legal action against Poland for the controversial law establishing the commission and has warned of further consequences if the body becomes active. The United States has also criticized the move.

The ruling party has accused Tusk of being too friendly towards Russia and its President, Vladimir Putin, during his tenure as prime minister from 2007 to 2014. They allege that Tusk made gas deals favorable to Moscow before assuming the role of President of the European Council from 2014 to 2019. The long-standing political rivalry between Law and Justice party leader, Jarosław Kaczyński, and Tusk adds to the contentious nature of the situation. The confirmation of the nine candidates by the lower house of parliament, which is narrowly controlled by the ruling party, is expected to take place later today. The first session of the commission and its location remain uncertain.