The Polish parliament has cast a vote of confidence in the pro-European coalition government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The vote took place following his Civic Coalition’s recent defeat in the presidential elections.
Rafał Trzaskowski, from Tusk’s coalition, lost to nationalist Karol Nawrocki in the June 1 run-off, sparking internal accusations among coalition partners and raising concerns about the administration’s future. Despite this, Tusk’s coalition, holding 242 out of 460 seats in the Sejm (lower house), was widely expected to survive the confidence vote.
“We have a mandate to take full responsibility for what is happening in Poland. Governing Poland is a privilege,” Tusk told parliament during the debate preceding the vote.
Tusk highlighted increased defense spending and a reduction in migrant visas as key achievements since his government took power in December 2023, succeeding the Law and Justice (PiS) party, which supports Nawrocki. He pledged to continue efforts to reverse judicial reforms implemented by PiS, which the European Union considers undermine court independence. Outgoing President Andrzej Duda, also a PiS ally, has so far blocked these reform attempts.
Tusk also stated his government would hold individuals linked to the previous PiS administration accountable for alleged wrongdoings. In response, PiS MP Jacek Sasin accused Tusk’s team of incompetence, urging voters to “remove these lazy people and pests from power before they completely destroy everything!”
Analysts suggest that many Polish voters are disappointed by the government’s failure to deliver on promises, including liberalizing abortion laws, judicial reform, and increasing the tax-free threshold.
Newly elected President Karol Nawrocki told “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna” that he would sign legislation to increase the tax relief threshold, even offering to personally submit such a bill if the government fails to do so. In a conciliatory gesture, Nawrocki also stated he would fulfill the 100 promises Tusk’s government made for its first 100 days, acting on Tusk’s behalf.
