On Monday, the 11th of December, the Polish Parliament approved the nomination of Donald Tusk as Prime Minister, ending eight years of nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) rule. Donald Tusk has promised to improve relations with the European Union (EU), which has frozen billions of euros in funds over disagreements on democratic standards, reports Reuters.
In favour of Tusk voted 248 lawmakers and 201 voted against.
After his confirmation by Parliament, Donald Tusk expressed his gratitude to those who
trusted “this new, wonderful Poland and all those who trusted us”
by voting in favour of this historic turning point in Polish history.
Earlier in the day, former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki of the nationalist PiS party lost a confidence vote, paving the way for Tusk’s appointment.
The PiS party, which sees itself as the defender of Poland’s sovereignty and identity, although it has improved the living standards of millions of people, has been criticised for actions that undermine the independence of the judiciary and promote prejudice against minorities.
PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, expressing personal hostility, after the vote ran to the podium and accused Tusk of being a “German agent”, writes Reuters.
Tusk will present his government’s plans on Tuesday and will have to face a confidence vote.
In a unique event, hundreds of Poles gathered at a cinema
in central Warsaw on Monday to watch the parliament session and follow the formation of a new pro-European government under Donald Tusk. With popcorn and drinks in hand, spectators reacted to the parliamentary election debate with both exclamations of surprise and applause, writes Reuters.
Read also: The new Polish government sworn in before confidence vote
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