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Poland's Governing Alliance Thrown into Crisis Over Animal Rights

Reuters

   WARSAW - Poland's governing alliance appeared to be in disarray early
   Friday, as a dispute over animal rights measures highlighted divisions
   in the ruling camp, raising the possibility of early elections if
   differences cannot be resolved.

   Tensions within the alliance led by the nationalist Law and Justice
   (PiS) party came into the open after some members did not support the
   measures, which passed in parliament with opposition support.

   The dispute over changes to animal rights laws, which are seen as an
   appeal to younger voters, halted talks on overhauling ministries and
   threatened deeper problems for the coalition.

   The measures, which would ban fur farming and curb the slaughter of
   animals, were opposed by all lawmakers from the ultra-conservative
   United Poland party. Other lawmakers abstained.

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