Polish President Andrzej Duda assigns Mateusz Morawiecki of PiS party the duty of forming a new government following Poland's general election.
Fresh Take
In a shift of power, Poland's President Andrzej Duda has tasked Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki with crafting a new government, as announced in a spirited speech. This move adheres to the traditional parliamentary protocol where the victorious party is given the initial chance to shape the government.
This decisive step came ahead of the swearing-in session of the fresh term of the Sejm, the lower chamber of the Polish parliament. President Duda is beaming with pride over the high voter turnout of more than 74% in the recent parliamentary elections, hailing it as a testament to the resilience of democracy in Poland.
DID YOU KNOW?
During his tenure, the President also appointed Marek Sawicki from the Polish People's Party (PSL) as the Senior Marshal, a prestigious post leading the Sejm's inaugural session. Sawicki, a longstanding member of the Sejm for thirty years, served as Minister of Agriculture, and is renowned for his commitment to dialogue and collaboration.
As no single political faction captured a majority in the elections, President Duda engaged in negotiations with all parties represented in the parliament. He acknowledged the presentations of candidates for Prime Minister by both the Law and Justice party, which claimed the majority of votes, and the Civic Coalition, that came in second.
Some critics question the reasoning behind President Duda's decision, alleging it may be futile as the PiS won't secure a majority in the new Sejm. The opposition parties have already declared their intentions to forge an alliance with the current government, with no intention of engaging in any dialogue. Opposition candidate, Donald Tusk, reiterates that the coalition deal between the Civic Coalition, The Third Way, and The Left is almost complete, ensuring they hold 248 out of 460 seats in the Sejm, while the PiS is left with only 194 seats.
However, Donald Tusk and his coalition partners must wait for Morawiecki's mission to falter, before they can attempt to form a government. President Duda assures compliance with all constitutional rules and deadlines. In case the attempt by the Law and Justice representative to form a government fails, the Sejm will elect a candidate for Prime Minister, whom Duda promptly appoints.
COLLABORATION IS KEY
President Duda emphasized the significance of cooperation between the new parliament and the Council of Ministers, regardless of the ultimate parliamentary majority and government formed. Collaboration, particularly in matters of security and international affairs, is essential, asserts Duda. He adds that the doors of the Presidential Palace will remain a welcoming space for those eager to work on Poland's critical issues.
As Poland anticipates its Independence Day celebration, President Duda advocates a spirit of unity and cooperation, reminding citizens that even amidst historical political differences, the architects of Poland's independence managed to find common ground on essential issues. This announcement signifies the commencement of a new chapter in Poland's political landscape, featuring the formation of the new government and potential shifts in the country's policy course.
Oh hi there, It's nice to meet you!
Sign up to receive a weekly recap of News from Poland.
Every Saturday.
We don't spam!
Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.
- The new government in Poland, crafted by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, will have a significant role in shaping the country's policy-and-legislation, especially in areas of security and international affairs.
- The Sejm, led by Senior Marshal Marek Sawicki, will be instrumental in the formation of this new government, as they are tasked with electing a candidate for Prime Minister if negotiations with the party that claims the majority of votes fail.
- The decision to task Morawiecki with forming a new government is scrutinized by some critics, who argue that it may be futile given the opposition parties' intentions to forge an alliance with the current government.
- Despite these political differences, President Duda urges collaboration, emphasizing that the spirit of unity and cooperation displayed by the architects of Poland's independence is still relevant today.
- This spirit of unity is particularly pertinent as Poland approaches its Independence Day celebration, marking the commencement of a new chapter in Poland's political landscape.
- The government's decisions on space exploration and AI technologies will be crucial, as these areas are likely to have a substantial impact on the country's future labor force.
- In the realm of justice and laws, it remains to be seen how the new government will address the ongoing issues surrounding the judiciary and human rights, areas that have been contentious in recent elections.
- One potential shift in policy could be the government's approach to the relationship between the government and the general news media, a relationship that has become increasingly tense in recent years.
- The presidential elections, however, are not imminent; President Duda, having played a key role in the formation of the new government, will need to step aside to allow for the presidential power to be broken and a new leader to be elected, shaping the next chapter in Poland's political journey.