Kaczyński proposes EU exit talks

Poland's opposition leader Jarosław Kaczyński suggested Wednesday that countries led by nationalist parties could open negotiations to leave the European Union to pressure it into returning powers to member states.

Kaczyński's case for reform

The Law and Justice leader said EU institutions like the European Commission have too much influence. He offered ideas including national parliamentarians monitoring how often EU bodies break EU law.

Exit threat as leverage

As a last resort, Kaczyński suggested countries seeking reform could conclude a new treaty while simultaneously opening EU withdrawal negotiations to pressure other countries and EU bodies to accept changes.

Tusk fires back at Kaczyński

Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused Kaczyński of announcing Poland should begin EU exit negotiations. Kaczyński denied this, saying he wants the union to benefit ordinary citizens, not elites.

“We want the union to benefit not the elites, but the ordinary citizens.”