What about the change of power in Poland?
#18
Salute,
Today, a brief update on the change of power in Poland.
More than three weeks ago, the Polish people voted for change in the general election. Although the far-right Law and Justice (PiS) party had received the largest number of votes (35 per cent), the coalition of three opposition parties, led by Donald Tusk, the former prime minister and European Council president, won the parliamentary majority (54 per cent). This broad coalition of opposition forces vowed to restore democratic standards in Poland. But the road to the transition of power is a long one.
Why?
The constitution states that the president chooses who gets the first shot at forming a coalition. The current president is Andrzej Duda, who has long been aligned with Law and Justice (PiS). He declared on Monday that he would offer the ruling party PiS the first chance to do so. In a televised address, Duda nominated the PiS prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, as his candidate.
So far, the constitution is being followed, right?
Well, yes, although Duda has taken his time to make a decision, which has been seen by many as a time-wasting tactic.
Is there a chance that PiS can form a government majority?
Probably not. Although PiS figures have claimed they still have a chance to build a coalition, no party is willing to join.
How is this continuing?
Mateusz Morawiecki has two weeks to form a working majority. If he fails, the right to nominate a candidate moves to the Sejm, the lower house of Poland's parliament. This will likely be Donald Tusk.
What will this government look like?
Over the past weeks, Tusk and other leaders have been meeting to hash out a broad coalition agreement and distribute ministries and other key jobs. "The coalition is finalised in every detail and I hope that the president also hears it," said Tusk, according to The Guardian on Monday, before Duda's announcement. What seems certain is that, if he is elected, he will lead a broad group of opposition forces, including Civic Coalition, the centre-right Third Way, and the leftist Lewica.
So far, it looks like the transition of power is really happening, right?
Yes, so far.
See you,
Johannes Eber