Poland’s divisive commission on Russian influence postponed

Poland’s controversial commission for examining Russian influence in Poland that is seen as targeting the opposition ahead of Oct. 15 parliamentary elections will not be formed before that vote, a prominent member of the ruling party said Friday.
The European Union and Poland’s ally the U.S. have strongly criticized the law calling for the commission, saying it would interfere with the democratic process in Poland. The EU has launched legal action against member country Poland over the contentious law.
A prominent member of the conservative ruling Law and Justice party, Marek Ast, said the commission will not be in place before October elections for the two houses of parliament.
Ast cited prolonged work on the controversial law, which was amended due to criticism, as the reason why there is not enough time left for the commission to be endorsed by the lawmakers, who are ending their term.
“I think that the new composition of the parliament will be choosing members of the commission,” he told state news agency PAP, denying it will be done during the current term.