Donald Tusk Retains Parliament’s Support After Presidential Election Defeat
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has secured a comfortable victory in a parliamentary vote of confidence, aimed at stabilizing his fragile coalition government following a significant setback in the recent presidential election.
The vote, held on Wednesday, passed with 243 MPs in favor and 210 against. It was initiated by Tusk in response to the surprising defeat of his preferred presidential candidate, a loss that triggered doubts about the coalition’s future and intensified personal criticism of the prime minister.
Tusk leads a broad, pro-European coalition ranging from agrarian conservatives to social democrats, united by a shared goal of restoring democratic checks and balances after eight years under the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party. A win in the presidential election would have strengthened the government’s ability to push through key reforms on divisive issues such as abortion rights and same-sex partnerships.
However, the unexpected victory of Karol Nawrocki — a historian with close ties to PiS and support from Donald Trump — over centrist Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski has raised concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on its reform agenda. Nawrocki’s win gives continued influence to incumbent President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally who has frequently clashed with Tusk’s government and holds strong veto powers.
Political analysts attributed the election result in part to voter fatigue and Tusk’s personal unpopularity, with many Poles reluctant to give too much power to one political faction. A recent CBOS poll found that 44% of respondents were critical of the government, while only 32% expressed support. Tusk himself was viewed negatively by 53% of voters, compared to 35% who held a favorable opinion.
In a tense seven-hour debate preceding the vote, more than 260 lawmakers spoke. Tusk defended his administration’s record, acknowledging its communication failures. “If we told our story even half as well as we governed, we would be winning election after election,” he said.
Reflecting on the presidential loss, he added: “This is not an earthquake, but let’s be honest: we’re facing two and a half years of hard work under difficult political conditions.” Despite frustrations among supporters, Tusk insisted his coalition still held a solid majority and the political will to govern. “I know the taste of victory, the bitterness of defeat — but I don’t know the word surrender,” he remarked.
Opposition parties seized the opportunity to criticize the government for slow progress on reforms and an overreliance on blaming the previous administration for ongoing challenges.
Speaking after the vote, Tusk said the result was crucial to “cut off all speculation” about his leadership and to refocus on the government’s agenda. He emphasized the need to regain public trust ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections, saying his ministers now had “two years to make amends.”
As part of a reset, Tusk announced that a new, high-profile government spokesperson would be appointed next week to revamp communications. A cabinet reshuffle is also planned for July, ahead of Nawrocki’s inauguration in August.
