Donald Tusk entered Sunday’s general elections with a clear sense of purpose, aiming to steer Europe in a new direction. In Poland, the government led by Law and Justice has moved the country toward a more conservative course, and Tusk now leads the liberal opposition, presenting himself as a hopeful counterweight in a politically polarized landscape. The campaign also touched on foreign policy, with attention to Poland’s role in NATO and the European Union, and the possibility that a change in leadership could shift relations with Brussels and Berlin. The political scene in Poland has been shaped by the intertwining of domestic governance and European alignment, with the party of the head of government and the presidency under Mateusz Morawiecki playing central roles in recent years.
If Tusk secures the mandate to form a government, he would need solid alliances. For now, his campaign has attracted broad support, including from voters who identify with liberal and centrist values. He has gained visibility beyond traditional party lines, drawing backing from a spectrum of voters who see value in closer ties with European partners and a more open stance on reform. While some supporters of the right remain wary of his approach, they recognize that his stance aligns with a larger European political family and with mainstream European partners from Germany and beyond. He is seen as someone who could bridge European cooperation with Polish national interests, even as he navigates the complexities of coalition politics.
Urban voters, advocates of feminism, and groups focused on social issues have been influential in shaping the campaign, including those who see in him a chance to reassess restrictive policies on matters such as reproductive rights. This momentum has also energized voters who previously supported PiS but grew dissatisfied with persistent disagreements with Brussels, sanctions, and the potential disruption of post-pandemic European funds for Poland.
distant figure
Born in Gdańsk in 1957, Tusk served as Prime Minister of Poland from 2007 to 2014. Some Polish voters still view him as a distant figure, while PiS portrays him as a representative of Brussels and Berlin. Public perception was shaped by his departure from national politics in 2014 and his subsequent leadership roles at the European level, including the presidency of the European Council supported by key European leaders. In PiS discourse, he is framed as symbolizing a shift toward greater reliance on Brussels and Germany, and as a counterpoint to Moscow, while opponents argue that he represents the broader liberal European project.
What should have been a source of pride for Poland—having a leader at the helm of European institutions—was framed by some as compromising national interests. Critics pointed to changes in defense spending and domestic policy during his time away from national leadership, arguing that support for families, retirees, and farmers should align with the broader PiS agenda.
Aside from factional rivalry, the political landscape shifted after Tusk’s electoral defeats and his return to the political arena. Before his latest foray, he faced competition from other strong figures in the opposition, including a popular mayor who had risen as a charismatic voice for younger voters. While the mayor did not prevail in the presidential race, his influence highlighted the breadth of support for reform-minded candidates. In the end, Tusk staked his claim against the field, leveraging a track record of prior electoral success and the perception of experience in steering European affairs.
All signs pointed to a strategic approach. Sunday’s turnout reached a high mark, reflecting intense engagement across the country. Tusk mobilized a broad voter base beyond traditional party supporters, presenting a conciliatory profile and a hopeful message that contrasted with the more conservative framing associated with the Kaczynski surname.
He is married to the historian Malgorzata Tusk and has two adult children, including a daughter who is a well-known fashion blogger. Tusk identifies as Kashub, a Slavic minority rooted in the Gdańsk region. As an adult, he explored his heritage, even learning the local language to connect more deeply with his roots.