Poland elects a new prime minister, ending 8 years of the right-wing in power

Civic coalition leader Donald Tusk (centre) was elected on Monday (December 11, 2023) as Poland’s new prime minister. He defeated then-conservative Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in parliament by 248 votes to 201 against. This victory ended eight years of rule by the right-wing Law and Justice Party in the country.

Donald Tusk is expected to present his government plan on Tuesday (December 12) and be sworn in on Wednesday (December 13).

Tusk is a well-known figure in Parliament and has experience in politics. He was Prime Minister from 2007 to 2014 and President of the European Council from 2014 to 2019.

His return to power in Poland could help restore the country’s relationship with the European Union. Hey The bloc froze billions of euros Who will be sent to the country after disagreements over democratic standards.

Throughout its term, the opposition accused PiS of promoting bias against gays and immigrants, undermining the actions of the judiciary and turning state media into a vehicle for government propaganda. In July 2021, the European Commission He filed a lawsuit against the country for discrimination Against minorities.

Morawiecki’s party has arrived Winning the parliamentary elections held on October 15However, he did not win a majority of seats in the House of Representatives. After the election results, the former Prime Minister resigned from his position.

However, Polish President Andrzej Duda asked Morawiecki to remain interim prime minister and try to form a new government. His proposal was rejected by parliament on Monday (December 11), paving the way for the rise of Tusk, who has already won the support of two left-wing parties.