Poland's Parliament Chooses Donald Tusk as Prime Minister, Aiming to Reverse Right-Wing Populist Rule and Strengthen EU Ties

Poland’s parliament has chosen former EU chief, Donald Tusk, to form the next government, marking a significant shift in policy following eight years of right-wing populist rule. Tusk's pro-EU alliance, which controls the lower house of parliament, rejected the conservative camp's proposed new cabinet. Tusk expressed gratitude and optimism after 248 MPs voted in favor of him and 201 against. He vowed to right the wrongs and make everyone feel at home in Poland. Tusk's Civic Coalition political group secured a majority by joining forces with two smaller pro-EU opposition political groups, the Third Way and Left.

Tusk plans to present his program to MPs on Tuesday and the Tusk cabinet could be sworn in on Wednesday. Tusk has promised to unblock billions of euros in EU aid that were frozen due to tensions with the outgoing government. With Tusk at the helm, Poland also aims to restore its credibility in the EU and have a say in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The election of Tusk as prime minister has been welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who emphasized the importance of unity between the two nations.