Poland’s Tusk survives confidence vote after Trump-backed rival wins Warsaw mayor race
Tusk called for a vote, noting Poland’s new reality after the election loss of his close ally – Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski to nationalist Karol Nawrocki
The Polish government survived a vote of confidence in parliament on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Donald Tusk sought to reassert his authority after the defeat of a key ally in the recent presidential election.
Lawmakers voted 243-210 in favour of the government in the 460-seat Sejm, the lower house, with supporters rising to applaud Tusk and chant his name. There were no abstentions.
Tusk requested the vote, saying Poland is in a new reality and that he was seeking a fresh opening, following the June 1 loss of Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski – his close ally – to nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki.
Backed by US President Donald Trump, Nawrocki is set to replace outgoing President Andrzej Duda, another conservative who repeatedly blocked Tusk’s reform efforts.
“I am asking for a vote of confidence with full conviction that we have a mandate to govern, to take full responsibility for what is happening in Poland,” Tusk said earlier in the day.
Most of the power in Poland’s parliamentary system rests with an elected parliament and a government chosen by the parliament. However, the president can veto legislation and represents the country abroad.