Polish president’s office challenges Supreme Court decisions on judges

An aide to Poland’s President Andrzej Duda said Friday a decision by the Supreme Court to suspend early retirement of its judges is unlawful. The statement was the latest in a tug-of-war over the conservative ruling party’s steps to take control of the justice system as it changes legislation and installs loyalists in top judicial positions, AP said. EU leaders say it threatens Poland’s rule of law and are pursuing sanctioning procedures. The court has suspended the implementation of new legislation that forces the retirement of judges aged 65 and over. It has also asked the EU’s Court of Justice to check if the early retirement plans abide by EU treaties. Duda’s aide said Poland’s law does not allow for the suspension, while the president is currently weighing exemptions.