Poland court fight: EU sides with parliament on judges; claims that Brussels is behind a "coup" are unproven

On the record: The European Commission said Poland's Constitutional Tribunal must work in line with the Polish constitution and EU court rulings, and that appointing the new judges is within the power of the Sejm, citing the Venice Commission. "It is for the Polish authorities to ensure that," Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath told POLITICO, which noted he stopped short of endorsing Friday's suspensions. AFP reported the Commission urged President Nawrocki to accept the new judges.

The allegation: French Patriots party leader Florian Philippot wrote on X that the Commission's statement showed it was behind what he called a coup, and that the EU controls everything, according to Russian state outlets RIA Novosti and Vesti. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also accused Tusk of a "constitutional coup," The Irish Times reports. Tusk said it was "no coincidence" his opponents find support among pro-Russian forces.

Status: UNPROVEN. No evidence has been published that the EU directed or organized the suspensions. The Commission's public role so far is statements backing parliament's right to appoint judges.

Background: The EU froze billions in funds to Poland over the PiS-era court changes and released them after Tusk returned to power in 2023.