Latest news with #PolishConstitution
Japan Today
7 days ago
- Business
- Japan Today
Poland sets government confidence vote for June 11 as Tusk notes a ‘new political reality'
By VANESSA GERA Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday that Poland's parliament will hold a confidence vote on his government on June 11, as the country faces a 'new political reality.' He called for the vote after his political ally, the liberal Warsaw mayor, lost Poland's weekend presidential election to conservative Karol Nawrocki. 'We are starting the session in a new political reality,' Tusk said at the start of a Cabinet meeting in Warsaw. 'The political reality is new, because we have a new president. But the constitution, our obligations and the expectations of citizens have not changed. In Poland, the government rules, which is a great obligation and honor.' Tusk's government runs most of the day-to-day matters in Poland. It also exists separately from the presidency, but the president holds power to veto laws and influence foreign policy, and Nawrocki's win will make it extremely difficult for Tusk to press his pro-European agenda. There are already questions about whether Tusk's fragile coalition can survive until the next scheduled parliamentary election at the end of 2027. Some of his political opponents are calling for him to step down. The decision to call a confidence vote is apparently an attempt by Tusk to try to reassert authority in a shifting political situation where some of his coalition partners might be less likely to want to stick with him. Observers believe that he's extremely likely to survive the vote next week and to be in a position to continue governing Poland as its most powerful official. The parties in his coalition still hold a majority in parliament. Tusk oversees a coalition of several parties spanning an ideological divide, from left-wing progressives to centrists to agrarian conservatives. The divided coalition has failed to agree on some issues, and the government has failed to fulfill some of Tusk's key promises, including a liberalization of the restrictive abortion law. Nawrocki, who was supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, won 50.89% of votes in a tight race against Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who received 49.11%. The election revealed deep divisions in the country, which is located along the eastern flank of NATO and the European Union. Nawrocki, who is set to take office on Aug. 6, is expected to shape the country's domestic and foreign policy in ways that could strain ties with Brussels, while aligning the Central European nation of nearly 38 million people more closely with the Trump administration. Trump welcomed his election, saying on his social media platform Truth Social: 'Congratulations Poland, you picked a WINNER!' Nawrocki replied to Trump on X, saying: 'Thank you, Mr President. Strong alliance with the USA, as well as partnership based on close cooperation are my top priorities.' Nawrocki will replace Duda, whose second five-year term ends on Aug. 6. The Polish Constitution limits presidents to two terms. Duda has invited Nawrocki to a meeting on Tuesday evening, and said that he believes it will be only the first of meetings in which he will share his experiences, primarily in the field of security policy and international policy. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The Hill
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Poland sets government confidence vote for June 11 as Tusk notes a ‘new political reality'
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday that Poland's parliament will hold a confidence vote on his government on June 11, as the country faces a 'new political reality.' He called for the vote after his political ally, the liberal Warsaw mayor, lost Poland's weekend presidential election to conservative Karol Nawrocki. 'We are starting the session in a new political reality,' Tusk said at the start of a Cabinet meeting in Warsaw. 'The political reality is new, because we have a new president. But the constitution, our obligations and the expectations of citizens have not changed. In Poland, the government rules, which is a great obligation and honor.' Tusk's government runs most of the day-to-day matters in Poland. It also exists separately from the presidency, but the president holds power to veto laws and influence foreign policy, and Nawrocki's win will make it extremely difficult for Tusk to press his pro-European agenda. There are already questions about whether Tusk's fragile coalition can survive until the next scheduled parliamentary election at the end of 2027. Some of his political opponents are calling for him to step down. The decision to call a confidence vote is apparently an attempt by Tusk to try to reassert authority in a shifting political situation where some of his coalition partners might be less likely to want to stick with him. Observers believe that he's extremely likely to survive the vote next week and to be in a position to continue governing Poland as its most powerful official. The parties in his coalition still hold a majority in parliament. Tusk oversees a coalition of several parties spanning an ideological divide, from left-wing progressives to centrists to agrarian conservatives. The divided coalition has failed to agree on some issues, and the government has failed to fulfill some of Tusk's key promises, including a liberalization of the restrictive abortion law. Nawrocki, who was supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, won 50.89% of votes in a tight race against Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who received 49.11%. The election revealed deep divisions in the country, which is located along the eastern flank of NATO and the European Union. Nawrocki, who is set to take office on Aug. 6, is expected to shape the country's domestic and foreign policy in ways that could strain ties with Brussels, while aligning the Central European nation of nearly 38 million people more closely with the Trump administration. Trump welcomed his election, saying on his social media platform Truth Social: 'Congratulations Poland, you picked a WINNER!' Nawrocki replied to Trump on X, saying: 'Thank you, Mr President. Strong alliance with the USA, as well as partnership based on close cooperation are my top priorities.' Nawrocki will replace Duda, whose second five-year term ends on Aug. 6. The Polish Constitution limits presidents to two terms. Duda has invited Nawrocki to a meeting on Tuesday evening, and said that he believes it will be only the first of meetings in which he will share his experiences, primarily in the field of security policy and international policy.
Toronto Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Poland sets government confidence vote for June 11 as Tusk notes a ‘new political reality'
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday that Poland's parliament will hold a confidence vote on his government on June 11, as the country faces a 'new political reality.' He called for the vote after his political ally, the liberal Warsaw mayor, lost Poland's weekend presidential election to conservative Karol Nawrocki. 'We are starting the session in a new political reality,' Tusk said at the start of a Cabinet meeting in Warsaw. 'The political reality is new, because we have a new president. But the constitution, our obligations and the expectations of citizens have not changed. In Poland, the government rules, which is a great obligation and honor.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Tusk's government runs most of the day-to-day matters in Poland. It also exists separately from the presidency, but the president holds power to veto laws and influence foreign policy, and Nawrocki's win will make it extremely difficult for Tusk to press his pro-European agenda. There are already questions about whether Tusk's fragile coalition can survive until the next scheduled parliamentary election at the end of 2027. Some of his political opponents are calling for him to step down. The decision to call a confidence vote is apparently an attempt by Tusk to try to reassert authority in a shifting political situation where some of his coalition partners might be less likely to want to stick with him. Observers believe that he's extremely likely to survive the vote next week and to be in a position to continue governing Poland as its most powerful official. The parties in his coalition still hold a majority in parliament. Tusk oversees a coalition of several parties spanning an ideological divide, from left-wing progressives to centrists to agrarian conservatives. The divided coalition has failed to agree on some issues, and the government has failed to fulfill some of Tusk's key promises, including a liberalization of the restrictive abortion law. Nawrocki, who was supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, won 50.89% of votes in a tight race against Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who received 49.11%. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The election revealed deep divisions in the country, which is located along the eastern flank of NATO and the European Union. Nawrocki, who is set to take office on Aug. 6, is expected to shape the country's domestic and foreign policy in ways that could strain ties with Brussels, while aligning the Central European nation of nearly 38 million people more closely with the Trump administration. Trump welcomed his election, saying on his social media platform Truth Social: 'Congratulations Poland, you picked a WINNER!' Nawrocki replied to Trump on X, saying: 'Thank you, Mr President. Strong alliance with the USA, as well as partnership based on close cooperation are my top priorities.' Nawrocki will replace Duda, whose second five-year term ends on Aug. 6. The Polish Constitution limits presidents to two terms. Duda has invited Nawrocki to a meeting on Tuesday evening, and said that he believes it will be only the first of meetings in which he will share his experiences, primarily in the field of security policy and international policy.
Euronews
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Poland's ties with US a key issue in Sunday's presidential runoff
New data from the Polish research agency the Centre for Public Opinion Research (CBOS) shows that Poles hold the most negative view of their relationship with the United States since the fall of communism. However, despite the negativity, there is no doubt that the US is fundamental to both Polish and European security. Some, including the Law and Justice (PiS) backed presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki, argue that Poland "needs the certainty that a future president will care about Polish-American relations". Likewise, Rafał Trzaskowski, the Civic Platform (PO) candidate, said that Poland should "strive for the closest possible cooperation between the United States, the European Union and Poland, because together we are a power." But can the relationship with Washington have a tangible impact on the election results? Relations with the United States have become one of the key themes of the presidential campaign. With the ongoing war in Ukraine and security issues along the border with Belarus, the two remaining candidates in the race ran their campaigns on the premise that they would be the ones to ensure the closest possible transatlantic cooperation. During a parade to mark the anniversary of the Polish Constitution, conservative presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki met with the Polish community in Chicago to celebrate the holiday and express his support for maintaining close ties between the two countries. The previous day, Nawrocki was received in the Oval Office by US President Donald Trump, after attending an event to mark the National Day of Prayer. In an interview with Republic TV, Nawrocki said that Trump apparently told him, "you will win". "You can see... it is clear from this conversation that this relationship is important for President Trump," he added. Several senior Law and Justice officials, including party president Jaroslaw Kaczynski, expressed their support for Nawrocki and hailed his meeting with Trump as a success. "Karol Nawrocki is the only candidate who can guarantee Poland's security and maintain strong alliances in difficult times, especially with the US," wrote Elżbieta Witek, former speaker of parliament, in a post on X. However, not everyone was so supportive of Nawrocki's visit. "The attempt by Trump's team, which is friendly with Putin, to influence the presidential election in Poland shows their colonial attitude towards Poland," wrote MP Roman Giertych on social media. Many conservative politicians in Poland have welcomed Trump's policies, despite the US president's clashes with Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Without the Americans, it is difficult to imagine a lasting peace, and yet we all strive for it," Morawiecki said in an interview with Euronews in March. "Without American support we in Europe would not have been able to maintain peace for decades." Current Polish President Andrzej Duda expressed similar sentiments. "Today my conclusion is absolutely unequivocal, there is no one but the United States who can stop Putin," he told Euronews. "That is why I believe that President Donald Trump, through his determination, can end this war," he added. Duda was the first international leader to visit Donald Trump at the White House after his inauguration in January. Most Poles recognise the military might of the US, leading many to appreciate the strategic relationship between the two countries. A survey conducted in March for the Polish weekly magazine Polityka found that 85% of respondents recognised US power as a military presence on a global scale. But at the same time, the percentage of Poles who say the US has a positive impact on the world is falling. In a survey conducted by CBOS in April 2025, only 20% of respondents said the US had a positive influence on international politics, the lowest recorded result since the agency began measuring opinions in 2006. Data from the same survey also shows that only 31% cent of Poles would rate Polish-US relations as "good," another all-time low. Key figures from the Trump administration have praised Poland's policies, including the country's commitment to security spending and a tougher migration policy. In February, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth described Poland as a "model NATO ally" after a meeting with his Polish counterpart Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. In turn, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed similar sentiments in a statement. "Poland and the United States stand together as partners in building a safer and more prosperous future for our peoples," he wrote. "We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation on energy security." Representatives of Poland's governing coalition, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, have in the past openly criticised the Trump administration. "Europe is ready to face Russia without the support of the US, and Poland is stepping up its efforts for the security of the Baltic Sea," Sikorski said in an interview with the Swedish daily Svenska Dagbladet. In an interview with TVN24, Tusk admitted that Trump is "a much more difficult partner than any US president before." Despite these critical voices, on the campaign trail Trzaskowski expressed the desire to work with the United States as a key partner. He emphasised economic and security cooperation between the two countries, especially in the face of Trump's sweeping tariffs. "Your presence in our country confirms American security guarantees for Poland. The fact that you are investing here, despite the war across our eastern border, is proof that Poland is safe and stable," he said in March during a meeting with entrepreneurs affiliated with the American Chamber of Commerce in Poland (AmCham). "American entrepreneurs were in Poland much earlier than US troops," he added. Regardless of the election result, US defence experts are convinced that Poland will play a key role in keeping the peace in Europe. "Poland is already doing a lot in terms of defence, but I think there will still be a lot of work to be done, and Poland can play a leading role as a key country on the front line where there is the greatest threat to the alliance from the Russian Federation," Rebeccah Heinrichs, a senior analyst at the Hudson Institute and director of the Keystone Defence Initiative, said. Italy and Kazakhstan have signed a set of deals worth €4bn during a visit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Astana. The agreements were across a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, renewable energy and water management. Meloni said she did not consider her visit "merely a formality, but substantial". "Italy was the first EU nation to have decided to invest in relations with Central Asia and its individual member states, setting up a stable format for the sharing of ideas," Meloni continued. The Italian prime minister added that the EU-Central Asia Summit held in April had elevated relations between the regions. Her Kazakh counterpart Qasym-Jomart Tokayev said his country attached "great importance to the development of trade between our states". "Italy is Kazakhstan's third largest trading partner and the largest within the European Union. The volume of trade has reached 20 billion dollars (€17.6bn)," Tokayev noted. Before heading to Kazakhstan, Meloni visited Uzbekistan for the first leg of a Central Asian trip that began on Wednesday. For the occasion, one of the city of Samarkand's main streets was given the name "via di Roma", Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said. At the meeting between Meloni and Mirziyoyev, a joint declaration was signed that paves the way for €3bn in agreements between the countries.
Arab News
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Polish leader Tusk plans large-scale military training for all adult males to boost reserves
The military training would create a reserve force that is 'adequate to possible threats,' Tusk said'Today we are talking about the need for a half-million army in Poland' WARSAW: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday that his government is working on a plan to prepare large-scale military training for every adult male in response to the changing security situation in military training would create a reserve force that is 'adequate to possible threats,' Tusk said in a major speech on security to Poland's lower house of parliament, or said that there's a need for an army of 500,000 soldiers, which would include year, the Polish government said that the military was made up of around 200,000 soldiers and was to grow to 220,000 this year with the objective of increasing it to about 300, security fears have grown far more dramatic in recent weeks, as Russia continues to pound Ukraine with missiles and drones, and as the Trump administration has withdrawn military and intelligence support for Ukraine while putting its commitments to NATO in question.'Today we are talking about the need for a half-million army in Poland,' Tusk his speech, Tusk explained to reporters that he wasn't considering a return of universal military service, but rather a reserve system based on the model in Switzerland. In that country, every man is obliged to serve in the military or an alternative civilian service, while women can volunteer if they with a population of 38 million people, is located along NATO's eastern flank and is deeply concerned by the war in Ukraine. There are fears that if Ukraine is defeated, Russia will turn its imperial ambitions next to countries like Poland, which Moscow controlled during the 19th century and during the Cold Kaczyński, the head of Poland's largest opposition party, the conservative Law and Justice, said that a mental shift in society would also be needed in addition to the military training of men.'We will have a return to the chivalric ethos and to the fact that men should also be soldiers, that is, be able to expose themselves, even to death,' Kaczyński has grown in Poland and across most of Europe as US President Donald Trump has signaled a dramatically shifting stance in Washington to one that includes support for Russia's position — even though on Friday he issued a stern warning to Russia after it attacked Ukrainian energy facilities with dozens of missiles and drones.'If Ukraine loses the war or if it accepts the terms of peace, armistice, or capitulation in such a way that weakens its sovereignty and makes it easier for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to gain control over Ukraine, then, without a doubt — and we can all agree on that — Poland will find itself in a much more difficult geopolitical situation,' Tusk Andrzej Duda said Friday that he was submitting an amendment to the Polish Constitution for consideration which would oblige the country to spend at least 4 percent of its gross domestic product each year on is already NATO's top spender on defense as a percentage of its overall economy, spending above 4 percent of its GDP this year. But Duda said that he wanted to take advantage of the consensus on the political scene in Poland today on the matter to enshrine it in the highest has suggested that the US might abandon its commitments to the alliance if member countries don't meet defense spending targets.
