It is up to Poland to identify its own model for its justice system, but it should do so in a way that respects the rule of law; this requires it to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, separation of powers and legal certainty.

18. Taking account of the right of a democratically elected parliament to adopt law in line with fundamental rights, with respect for political minorities, and with a democratically adequate and transparent procedure, and of the duty courts, both ordinary and constitutional, to safeguard the compatibility of the laws with the constitution, underlines the importance of the principle of separation of powers and a properly functioning system of checks and balances; is concerned in this connection about the shift of powers in constitutional matters to the advantage of the parliament and to the detri ...[+++]ment of the Constitutional Court, which undermines severely the principle of separation of powers and a properly functioning system of checks and balances, which are key corollaries of the rule of law; welcomes in this regard the Eger joint statement of 16 May 2013 by the Presidents of the Hungarian and Romanian Constitutional Courts, Péter Paczolay and Augustin Zegrean, stressing that constitutional courts bear a special responsibility in countries ruled by a two-thirds majority;

9. Points to the crucial role of a system of checks and balances in the governance of a modern democratic state, which should be reflected in the ongoing constitutional process, and which must be based on the principle of separation of powers, with balance between the executive, legislative and judicial functions, on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms – in particular freedom of expression and freedom of the press – and on a participatory political culture that truly reflects the plurality of a democratic society; believes that, in itself, the organisation of peaceful and legitimate protests testifies ...[+++]to the vibrancy of Turkish civil society; reminds Turkey of the importance of continuing efforts to further improve its democratic institutions, the rule of law and the observance of fundamental freedoms;

11. Points to the crucial role of a system of checks and balances in the governance of a modern democratic state, for the Union, its Member States and Turkey; believes such a system should be based on the principle of separation of powers and the balance of the executive, legislative and judicial functions, on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms – in particular freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of the press – and on a participatory political culture that truly reflects the plurality of a democratic society;

8. Points to the crucial role of a system of checks and balances in the governance of a modern democratic state, which should be reflected in the ongoing constitutional process, and which must be based on the principle of separation of powers, with balance between the executive, legislative and judicial functions, on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms – in particular freedom of expression and freedom of the press – and on a participatory political culture that truly reflects the plurality of a democratic society; believes that, in itself, the organisation of peaceful and legitimate protests testifies ...[+++]to the vibrancy of Turkish civil society; reminds Turkey of the importance of continuing efforts to further improve its democratic institutions, the rule of law and the observance of fundamental freedoms;

6. Points to the crucial role of a system of checks and balances in the governance of a modern democratic state, which must be based on the principle of separation of powers, with balance between the executive, legislative and judicial functions, on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms – in particular freedom of expression and freedom of the press – and on a participatory political culture that truly reflects the plurality of a democratic society;