Poland’s political future is up in the air as the country seeks to form a new government following the October 15 general election. Polish President Andrzej Duda has tasked outgoing Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki of the Law and Justice (PiS) party with forming a new government. However, with an elusive parliamentary majority, the party may face difficulties in forming a coalition.
PiS came first in the elections, but failed to obtain a parliamentary majority. This situation makes coalition formation difficult, as the party lacks reliable partners. If Morawiecki’s mission fails, Parliament will have to choose another candidate for prime minister.
In the opposition camp, led by Donald Tusk, former Prime Minister and former President of the European Council, hope has become more palpable. Although his party came second in the election, a possible alliance with two smaller parties could allow them to gather enough seats to form a governing coalition.
Tusk openly criticizes Duda, saying he is playing for time by giving the task of forming a government to Morawiecki. According to him, this will not change anything and he suggests that he could be called upon to lead the next government. Tusk promises to restore ties with the European Union and unlock frozen European funds. These funds were blocked due to concerns over judicial reforms in Poland.
Relations between Poland and the EU have deteriorated since PiS came to power due to concerns over democracy in the country. Brussels has frozen Poland’s access to 35 billion euros in EU funds due to these concerns.
The political situation in Poland is therefore tense, with PiS seeking to form a coalition while facing opposition from Tusk and his liberal party. The outcome of this political impasse will have important consequences for the future of Poland and its relations with the European Union. The next few days will be decisive in determining who will lead the country and what political direction it will take.