German Leader Duda Greeted by Steinmeier in Berlin Capital - Commission endorses Commission's suggestions for new policies
In Berlin, Polish President Andrzej Duda was warmly received by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier amidst the approaching second round of the Polish presidential election, scheduled for Sunday. Duda, concluding his second term, is not vying for re-election in this round. The competition pits pro-European Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski against right-wing nationalist politician Karol Nawrocki. According to current polls, both candidates are evenly matched.
Duda shares political leanings with Nawrocki, both being closely aligned with the right-wing nationalist PiS party that governed Poland from 2015 to 2023. Post-election, the government led by a pro-European administration under Donald Tusk, experienced a period of resistance from the president. If Nawrocki emerges victorious, anticipate continued strain in the relationship between the head of state and the government in Poland.
Germany-Poland relations remain intricate, still influenced by remnants of World War II. Both nations strive to maintain cordial relations, albeit occasional anti-German sentiments resurface, particularly during election periods in Poland. The Nord Stream gas pipeline project, originating from Russia via the Baltic Sea, has also sparked resentment in Poland.
In the event of Trzaskowski's win, a collaborative relationship between the president and the government is expected as Trzaskowski represents the centrist Civic Coalition, the leading party within the ruling coalition. A Nawrocki presidency, however, might result in a contentious relationship, given his support from the opposition party, the populist right-wing Law and Justice party.
| Candidate | Ties to Ruling Party | Expected Relationship with Government ||--------------------|----------------------|----------------------------------------|| Rafal Trzaskowski | Centrist (KO) | Cooperative, supportive || Karol Nawrocki | PiS (opposition) | Confrontational, obstructive |
If elected, Trzaskowski's presidency would likely support smooth cooperation between the president and the government on legislation and foreign policy matters. Conversely, a Nawrocki presidency could potentially lead to tensions, as their policy priorities tend to differ on key issues like judicial reform, EU relations, and social policy.
The community policy and employment policy within a potential Nawrocki presidency in Poland might face contentious negotiations due to his support from the Law and Justice party, given their differing views on key issues like judicial reform, EU relations, and social policy. In contrast, a Trzaskowski presidency could focus on a collaborative approach, aligning with the general news of a potential smooth cooperation between the president and the government on legislation and foreign policy matters. Additionally, the migration and war-and-conflicts landscape could influence the politics involved, particularly if these topics become focal points during the candidate's policies.
