Donald Tusk Assumes Role as Poland’s Prime Minister, Aiming to Strengthen European Union Relations

Donald Tusk Assumes Role as Poland’s Prime Minister, Aiming to Strengthen European Union Relations

Donald Tusk, a centrist figurehead, made a comeback as Poland’s Prime Minister after almost ten years, endorsed by a parliamentary vote on December 11. This reinstatement heralds a shift toward a fresh pro-European Union administration, marking the conclusion of an era dominated by stormy conservative governance over the past eight years.

With a history as a prominent EU figure and having held the position of European Council president from 2014 to 2019, Tusk boasts considerable connections in Brussels. His return is anticipated to bolster Warsaw’s influence within the EU, leveraging his expertise and experience. He previously served as Poland’s prime minister from 2007 to 2014.

Tusk’s rise to power follows an election held nearly two months ago, resulting in a victory for a coalition encompassing diverse ideologies from left-wing to moderate conservative. While these parties contested separately, they pledged a collaborative effort under Tusk’s leadership. Their collective goal is to revive democratic principles and fortify relationships with international allies.

The shift in leadership holds immense significance for the 38 million individuals in the Central European nation. A surge of collective dissatisfaction towards the Law and Justice party led to an unprecedented turnout, reflecting widespread concern about a government that was perceived to be undermining democratic principles.

In 2015, Law and Justice assumed power, intensifying control over courts and judicial entities, prompting criticisms from the EU and others regarding the erosion of judicial independence. Additionally, it transformed publicly funded media into a mouthpiece for the party.

The vote in support of Mr. Tusk was 248-201 in the 460-seat lower house of parliament, the Sejm, with no abstentions.

“Thank you, Poland. This is indeed a remarkable day,” expressed Tusk in a brief address. “Not just for me, but for all those who held steadfast belief over these years that improvement was possible.”

Scheduled for Tuesday is Mr. Tusk’s comprehensive speech to parliament, where he’ll present his Cabinet and undergo a confidence vote for his new government. The subsequent swearing-in by President Andrzej Duda is set for Wednesday morning.

Mr. Tusk’s election followed the downfall of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s former government, which faced a confidence vote in parliament earlier in the day.

The vote marked the conclusion of a tumultuous eight-year period during which the Law and Justice party governed the country, enjoying support from many Poles but also facing bitter disagreements with liberal factions within Poland, as well as the 27-nation EU and other Western allies.

Taking the helm of the EU’s fifth-largest member by population, Mr. Tusk’s leadership will bolster centrist and pro-EU forces, a significant development as Euroskeptics, exemplified by figures like Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, gain traction.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed immense delight in congratulating Mr. Tusk, stating, “Your experience and steadfast commitment to our European values will be invaluable in shaping a stronger Europe for the benefit of the Polish people. I eagerly anticipate our collaboration, starting with this week’s crucial summit commencing on Thursday.”

After the election, the power transition, originally scheduled earlier, faced a two-month delay as Duda, intent on retaining his political allies’ positions, prolonged the process.

Many voters, especially young Poles seeking change, eagerly awaited this transition. The parliamentary proceedings became a focal point, drawing widespread interest evident in the surge of online viewers tuning into the parliament’s live stream.

Szymon Holownia, a former reality TV figure leading a party aligned with Tusk, assumed the role of parliament speaker last month. His efforts to instill discipline in the often rowdy assembly have captured attention.

During Monday’s proceedings, a Warsaw cinema aired the live stream, attracting viewers who enjoyed popcorn and erupted into laughter during the outgoing prime minister’s speech.

“Just so much happened in the past eight years that it’s no wonder there’s this sense of relief now that it’s over,” remarked Justyna Lemanska, a young advertising agency employee in the audience.

For many, especially women witnessing the erosion of reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ individuals enduring a government-led hate campaign that led some to flee the country, there’s a palpable sense of relief.

The Law and Justice party retains favor among many conservatives due to its commitment to traditional Roman Catholic principles and its support for social spending policies. Notably, the party decreased the retirement age, introduced financial assistance for families with children, and boosted pension payouts for older citizens.

For Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of the conservative ruling party, the day marked a distressing turn. Over the past eight years, he had steered Poland’s course, but at 74, he witnessed a substantial erosion of the immense influence he once held.

Kaczynski has long accused Mr. Tusk, who maintains strong ties with Germany and other nations, of prioritizing Berlin’s interests, despite lacking evidence to support this claim.

As the parliamentary session drew to a close, Kaczynski approached the lectern, directed his ire at Tusk, and uttered, “You are nothing but a German agent.”

Tusk’s expression soured, while Holownia voiced disappointment at the session concluding on such a sour note.

Former President Lech Walesa, who recently battled COVID-19 and remains in a weakened state, made a significant effort to travel from Gdansk to attend the parliamentary gathering.

The anti-communist champion was disheartened witnessing what he perceived as the erosion of democracy under Kaczynski’s leadership. He made a poignant statement by appearing in parliament clad in a shirt bearing the word “Constitution,” a bold stance against Law and Justice. Observing the proceedings from a balcony, he received a standing ovation from Tusk and other political allies.

Facing a myriad of challenges, Mr. Tusk’s administration, notably Russia’s ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, stands at the forefront.

In light of crucial discussions imperative to Ukraine’s future, Mr. Tusk is set to attend an EU summit in Brussels later in the week. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a staunch ally of Russia within the EU, is vehemently pressing for the exclusion of Ukraine’s EU membership and substantial funding for the war-torn nation from the summit’s agenda.

While Poland was initially a staunch supporter of Kyiv following Russia’s invasion nearly two years ago, relations have soured due to economic competition from Ukrainian food producers and truckers, eliciting concerns among Poles about their economic stability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conveyed his felicitations to Mr. Tusk via Twitter, underscoring the strength of both nations’ freedom when united: “When we stand together, both our nations’ freedom is unbeatable.”