Donald Tusk and his government were sworn in by President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday, the 13th of December. Tusk’s appointment raises hopes for better and smoother relations between Poland and the European Union (EU), after several tough years of rule by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, reports Politico.
Tusk stressed that his new government is going to focus on restoring the rule of law and respect for the constitution. He highlighted that
the government’s main trademark would be its commitment to the constitution,
attributing the record turnout in the 15th of October elections to the voters’ desire to restore the rule of law in the country.
Andrzej Duda swore in Poland’s new Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his government pic.twitter.com/JZlyluJebC
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 13, 2023
The focus on the rule of law is an effort to repair relations with Brussels that have soured during eight years of PiS rule. The European Commission has blocked 35 billion euros in EU grants and loans to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, as well as 76.5 billion euros in EU development funds, over Poland’s refusal to abide by EU democratic principles.
The newly appointed Prime Minister will attend a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, where the issue of frozen funds and aid to Ukraine will be high on the agenda.
However, the new government will focus on domestic affairs, namely reversing the reforms implemented by the PiS party, in particular in the judiciary. In addition, there are plans to dismiss PiS loyalists from government-controlled bodies and state media.
Although there are concerns that President Duda may obstruct these measures as the new coalition lacks the parliamentary votes needed to overcome his possible vetoes,
Duda and Tusk have promised to cooperate.
Polish President Duda struck a conciliatory tone after Tusk’s swearing-in ceremony. Duda expressed his openness to cooperation, acknowledging political differences but stressing the need for understanding on key issues, in particular security and for the benefit of the Polish people.
Read also: Poland says goodbye to PiS, welcomes Donald Tusk
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