EU has high hopes for Donald Tusk
The PiS era is over - the Polish parliament votes for former opposition leader Donald Tusk as the country's new prime minister. EU representatives von der Leyen and Michel congratulate the future head of government - and hope for much better relations with Poland.
Top representatives of the European Union have reacted positively to the imminent change of government in Poland. "Your experience and strong commitment to our European values will be invaluable for a stronger Europe," wrote EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on X to the future Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
EU Council President Charles Michel said that he congratulated Tusk on becoming Poland's head of government. His experience and commitment to European values would help to create a stronger and more united EU. EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote that the current challenges would now be tackled together. She is looking forward to working with a staunch EU supporter and friend for a prosperous Poland and a stronger Europe.
However, congratulations did not only come from the EU. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Tusk via X. "I congratulate Donald Tusk on his election by the Sejm as Polish Prime Minister," he wrote. He also emphasized that Ukraine appreciates Poland's support and that both countries together strengthen each other and Europe as a whole.
Hope for a better relationship
The head of the liberal-conservative Civic Coalition (KO) was appointed by parliament on Monday evening to form the government. He will succeed former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki from the national-conservative PiS party, which became the strongest parliamentary group in the elections on October 15, but fell short of an absolute majority. In contrast, three pro-European parties from the previous opposition led by Tusk achieved a clear majority in the Polish parliament.
In Brussels, it is hoped that the change of government will significantly improve relations between Poland and the EU. There has been a major dispute in recent years, for example, because the EU Commission took Poland to the European Court of Justice over controversial judicial reforms and blocked billions in coronavirus aid.
However, there are no doubts in the EU about Tusk's pro-European credentials. The 66-year-old politician was already head of government in Poland from 2007 to 2014. He then moved to Brussels, where he chaired EU summits as President of the European Council until 2019.
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EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Tusk's european values and experience, stating that they will be beneficial for a stronger and more united EU. Donald Tusk, the new Prime Minister of Poland, received congratulations from Vladimir Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, who appreciated Poland's support and the strengthening of both countries and Europe as a whole. Previous controversy between Poland and the EU over judicial reforms and blocked aid is hoped to improve under the new government led by Tusk, who has demonstrated strong pro-European credentials throughout his political career.
Source: www.ntv.de
