The vote of confidence, initiated by Tusk himself, comes at a time when right-wing nationalist Karol Nawrocki, endorsed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, narrowly won the election against Tusk’s candidate Rafal Trzaskowski.
Nawrocki also has the support of US President Donald Trump.
Tusk announced the vote and stated that his party is ready for the challenge, with a determination not to “step back” and to see this as a “new opportunity”.
“The vote of confidence should signal a new beginning,” Tusk said.
Tusk’s Struggle to Deliver Key Reforms
The call for a confidence vote reflects Tusk’s efforts to garner support for his pro-European coalition.
Tusk’s coalition has aimed to reverse the judicial reforms of the previous PiS government, which the EU criticized for undermining democracy and the rights of marginalized groups.
However, President Andrzej Duda has blocked these efforts, and Nawrocki is expected to maintain this stance.
These unfulfilled reform promises, including those on abortion rights, have cast a shadow over Tusk’s government.
Critics argue that Tusk’s government, in power since December 2023, has not yet delivered significant changes.
Can Tusk Survive?
In Poland, the Prime Minister wields considerable day-to-day power, while the President can influence foreign policy and veto legislation.
Tusk now faces a similar challenge with Nawrocki as he did with Duda, whose veto power impeded Tusk from fulfilling his promises.
Despite framing the vote as a “new beginning” and promising a cabinet reshuffle in July, Tusk still needs to negotiate with his coalition.
Opposition leaders are already predicting Tusk’s downfall, with Former Justice Minister Zbigniew Z blindiev saying, “The lost presidential election marks the end of Donald Tusk. His fate is sealed.”
Edited by: Kieran Burke
