The Polish opposition collectively announces their aspiration to establish a government with Donald Tusk as the prime minister.
The three opposition factions, which collectively secured a parliamentary majority in the recent elections, have jointly expressed their intention to form a coalition government, nominating Donald Tusk as their candidate for prime minister. This declaration was made by their leaders in a press conference held in parliament. The announcement coincided with President Andrzej Duda initiating talks with each group set to occupy the Sejm, the more influential lower house of parliament.
It remains uncertain whether Duda will grant the ruling national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party or the opposition the initial opportunity to form a government. Traditionally, as the largest party in the new parliament, PiS would be given precedence. However, the likelihood of PiS securing a parliamentary majority is minimal, prompting Szymon Hołownia of the center-right Third Way (Trzecia Droga) to urge Duda not to delay the process.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, another key leader of the Third Way, emphasized the urgency, stating, “We will encourage the president not to delay, and as a first step, he can appoint a prime minister from the majority that is standing here today.” Włodzimierz Czarzasty from The Left (Lewica) also appealed to Duda, urging no further delay and expressing support for the designation of Donald Tusk to form a government.
Donald Tusk, representing the centrist Civic Coalition (KO), expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and affirmed readiness to form a government, emphasizing a cooperative approach. Tusk also underscored the need for quick decisions, as Poles are eagerly awaiting them.
President Duda is conducting meetings with various groups in the order of their election results. The sequence involves PiS first, followed by meetings with Civic Coalition, Third Way, The Left, and finally the far-right Confederation (Konfederacja). During these meetings, Duda will inquire about each group's candidate for prime minister, their ability to secure a parliamentary majority, and their proposed policies in economic, defense, and energy domains.
Duda has not indicated which group will be given the initial opportunity to form a government. While an aide suggested PiS initially, another presidential minister hinted that the opposition might be considered if united and capable of forming a government based on a parliamentary majority.