Poland's new government wants domestic unity and support for Ukraine

In a speech to parliament on Tuesday, Mr Tusk, who served as president of the European Council from 2014 to 2019, vowed to maintain cooperation with opposition parties, especially the Law and Justice Party (PiS) that has ruled the country for the past eight years.

Poland's new government wants to create domestic unity and support Ukraine picture 1 — New Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, Poland on December 13, 2023. Photo: Reuters

“Please note that I am ready to cooperate,” he said. “We come from different political factions, but I have found that on important issues, such as security, we can come to a consensus.”

Mr Tusk, 66, said his government would focus on restoring the rule of law and respect for the constitution. “Loyalty to the rules of the constitution will be the reputation of our government,” Mr Tusk said.

Poland's new prime minister added that he thinks voters' desire to see the rule of law restored was behind the record turnout in the October 15 election.

The Law and Justice Party came out on top in the election but lacked the majority needed to form a government, paving the way for Mr Tusk to form a coalition government that won approval from the Polish parliament on Tuesday.

Mr Tusk is due to travel to Brussels for an EU summit on Thursday and Friday. In addition to trying to free up frozen EU funds for Poland, Mr Tusk will show his support for Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc.

Amid growing concerns in Kiev about the commitment of Western allies in the conflict with Russia, Mr Tusk said on Tuesday that Poland would support continued support for its neighbour.

Hoang Anh (according to Reuters)

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