President Duda Signs Wind Farm Bill, Electoral Reform Into Law

PAP newswire reports that President Andrzej Duda signed off on two bills approved by parliament last week, one loosening regulations on building onshore wind turbines and one changing the electoral regulations ahead of this autumn's polls.

• The wind farm bill reduces the minimum distance of new wind turbines from the nearest buildings, opening up scope for more investment in wind energy. The bill fulfills one of the milestones defined by the European Commission as necessary for unlocking access to the recovery funds earmarked for Poland.
• Another key milestone is the adoption of legislation unwinding many of the current administration's controversial judicial reforms. The bill was passed by parliament but remains stuck in the Constitutional Tribunal, which due to an internal procedural dispute might be unable to issue a ruling in the near term.
• Another bill signed by the President today is intended to boost electoral turnout and facilitate access to polling stations by residents of smaller municipalities, as well as elderly and disabled people. The bill has been criticised by the opposition for being implemented shortly before an election and for targeting groups of voters that are expected to support the ruling party.