Poland’s divisive justice minister survives confidence vote

By MONIKA SCISLOWSKA
Associated Press

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s divisive justice minister has narrowly survived a confidence vote in parliament. Zbigniew Ziobro is the author of controversial judicial changes that led the European Union to block billions of euros to the Central European country, spurring the opposition to seek his ouster. Unseating him required mustering a majority of 231 votes in the 460-member lower house, but the motion to oust him received only 226 votes, meaning he stays. The remaining votes were 228 against the motion with three abstentions. All the lawmakers of the ruling right-wing coalition voted in his favor. He has also survived such efforts previously.