Polish PM Tusk Secures Vote of Confidence Amid Coalition Uncertainty

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sought a vote of confidence in his government following the June 1 presidential election defeat of his coalition's candidate, Rafal Trzaskowski, by right-wing nationalist Karol Nawrocki. Despite internal coalition tensions and a hostile president wielding veto power, Tusk aimed to reaffirm his pro-European Union government's mandate and announced plans for a cabinet reshuffle to address structural dysfunction without a major shake-up. Analysts and polls indicate disillusionment among Polish voters over the government's failure to deliver on key promises such as liberalizing abortion laws and judicial reforms, while President Andrzej Duda's opposition has hindered efforts to reverse controversial reforms. The vote was seen as crucial to maintaining coalition stability amid rising political polarization and doubts about whether Tusk's government could complete its term through 2027. While the ruling alliance's parliamentary majority made a successful vote of confidence likely, the challenge ahead remains significant with ongoing political and economic uncertainties. Tusk emphasized the need for serious work under difficult conditions and new faces in government to restore momentum and fulfill the coalition’s agenda.