In a significant political shift, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government secured a vote of confidence in parliament on Tuesday, marking a departure from eight years of nationalist rule and contentious relations with the European Union. Tusk outlined a pro-European Union vision for Poland that emphasized a commitment to Ukraine, strong support for the United States, and a dedicated membership in NATO.
During his presentation to lawmakers, Tusk also signaled his determination to repair Warsaw’s strained relationship with EU institutions. The past years had seen disputes over matters including judicial independence, the rule of law, and LGBT rights. Tusk stated, “Poland will regain its position as a leader in the European Union… Poland will build its strength, the position it deserves,” as he promised to secure significant financial support from Brussels.
Tusk garnered support from 248 lawmakers, while 201 voted against him, though the vote was marred by an incident in which a far-right deputy disrupted proceedings by using a fire extinguisher to extinguish Hanukkah candles during an event with members of the Jewish community. Tusk condemned the incident as a “bandit act.”
While Poland has gained approval to access 5.1 billion euros ($5.5 billion) in advance payments from the EU for transitioning away from Russian fossil fuels, a substantial portion of the 59.8 billion euros allocated for green transition and COVID-19 recovery remains frozen. This freeze is contingent on Warsaw rolling back judicial reforms implemented by the previous administration, which critics argue undermined the independence of the judiciary.
Despite his pro-EU stance, Tusk made it clear that he would oppose any changes to EU treaties that could disadvantage Poland, asserting, “Any attempts to change treaties that are against our interests are out of the question … no one will outplay me in the European Union.”
Tusk, 66, who previously served as both prime minister and president of the European Council, vowed to prioritize defense and honor existing arms contracts. However, his speech received mixed reactions from lawmakers, with some noting its lack of specificity and length.
Tusk’s government is set to be sworn in by President Andrzej Duda, after which the new prime minister will head to Brussels for an EU summit. With Poland’s new leadership, there is optimism about mending relations with Ukraine and advocating for Western support in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In the wake of strained relations with Ukraine, particularly due to a ban on Ukrainian grain imports, Tusk pledged that Poland would vocally advocate for continued support from Western allies in Ukraine’s defense. Additionally, he expressed his commitment to resolving disputes, such as the recent border blockades by Polish truckers and the treatment of migrants at the Belarus-Poland border.
As Poland takes on a more pro-EU stance under Tusk’s leadership, his government seeks to address not only international relations but also issues close to home, including the rights and inclusion of the LGBT community within the country.
($1 = 0.9264 euro)