Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk Calls Confidence Vote Amid Political Shift After Presidential Election

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that the parliament will hold a vote of confidence in his government on June 11.

The decision comes in the wake of a narrow defeat of his coalition’s candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, in Sunday’s presidential runoff against conservative nationalist Karol Nawrock.

Tusk revealed his intention to seek the confidence vote on Monday, emphasizing the need to demonstrate readiness and unity amid a new political reality created by Nawrocki’s victory.

The political reality is new, because we have a new president. But the constitution, our obligations and the expectations of citizens have not changed, Tusk said at a cabinet meeting in Warsaw.

The confidence vote follows a significant setback for Tusk’s centrist government, which has pursued a pro-European agenda but now faces challenges due to Nawrocki’s expected use of presidential veto powers. Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party and supported by former US President Donald Trump, won 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%.

Tusk’s coalition government, formed in late 2023, has struggled to fulfill key electoral promises, including judicial reforms and easing abortion laws, partly due to opposition from the previous PiS administration and the president’s veto authority. The new president’s stance is expected to further complicate Tusk’s legislative agenda.

Polish Parliament Speaker Szymon Hołownia proposed holding the confidence vote during an extra parliamentary session next week, and Tusk agreed to present the motion this week to allow deliberations before the vote on June 11.

Despite the electoral setback, Tusk stated that the confidence vote represents a new beginning and an opportunity for his government to review its performance, acknowledge shortcomings, and determine responsibility and consequences.

He expressed determination to continue governing and cooperating with the new president where possible.

The confidence vote will be a critical test of Tusk’s ability to maintain his coalition’s cohesion and political mandate amid Poland’s deeply divided political landscape, marked by competing visions on European integration, national sovereignty, and social policies.

The outcome will shape Poland’s political trajectory as Nawrocki is set to succeed incumbent President Andrzej Duda, whose second and final term ends on August 6.