Poland’s centrist government successfully secured a confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday, following the recent presidential victory of political opponent Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist historian. This outcome helps avert potential political instability for the country, which plays a significant role as a supporter of Ukraine within the European Union.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk initiated the vote to reaffirm his government's authority after Nawrocki's win. In the confidence vote, 243 lawmakers supported Tusk, while 210 opposed him, granting him a majority in the 460-member lower house of Parliament.
During his address to Parliament, Tusk recognized the challenges posed by Nawrocki’s presidential victory, stating they would be “greater than we expected.” However, he emphasized that the president’s limited ceremonial role does not diminish the government's responsibilities or powers.
To appeal to more conservative members of his coalition, Tusk pledged to continue restricting immigration, proposing to halve the number of visas issued to migrants from Africa and Asia. He argued that this action was necessary due to the previous governing party, Law and Justice, allowing numerous migrants through corrupt visa schemes currently under investigation.
Tusk's success in the confidence vote represents a setback for the Law and Justice party, which had anticipated a potential return to power amid speculation of early elections. A rejection of Tusk's government would have necessitated his resignation after approximately 18 months in office.
Despite the pressure following Nawrocki's presidential win, Tusk acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but asserted that his government would not retreat. Nawrocki's alignment with Law and Justice, like the outgoing president Andrzej Duda, is expected to deepen the divide between the presidency and the government.
While the Polish president holds veto power over legislation, he does not influence policy-making, which has complicated Tusk's ability to implement his agenda. This includes efforts to mend relations with the European Union and reversing judicial independence compromises made by Law and Justice during its tenure.
Although Law and Justice lost its parliamentary majority in the 2023 elections, Tusk's coalition, comprising liberals, centrists, and conservatives, remains a fragile alliance united primarily by their opposition to Law and Justice.
Anatol Magdziarz contributed reporting.