Coalition Talks and Potential Government Structure
This week is expected to be intense as parties work through substantive issues on the coalition agreement. The focus isn’t solely on the week’s outlook, but the priority remains completing the core work as soon as possible, according to a KO member, Marcin Kierwiński, speaking on Polsat News about the coalition agreement timeline.
Yesterday brought a meeting of leaders from the Civic Coalition, Third Way, and the Left to discuss forming a new government. Representatives from these groups also held a negotiating team session to draft the program agreement on that same day.
Coalition Agreement
When asked by Polsat News about the post-leaders’ meeting arrangements, Kierwiński described the talks as moving at a very good pace and in a very constructive atmosphere. He noted ongoing discussions about the coalition agreement and its substantive elements.
He added that the leaders’ meeting had lasted several hours and that it was very productive, with many problems resolved. He emphasized that future government issues, the Sejm Presidium, and the Senate Presidium were interconnected matters, and mentioned the rotating chair of the Sejm as a current topic circulating in Polish media.
Kierwiński described the rotating chair as a plausible option and expressed a preference for high standards aligned with Western democratic practices. He suggested this arrangement has precedent in the European Parliament and could be an interesting solution.
This view reflects a broader expectation that the coalition seek solid, democratic norms comparable to established European practices. He noted that the final government structure would determine which roles and presidencies would be held and that the timeline remains fluid.
He also cautioned that until the entire government puzzle is solved, decisions remain pending. The Left and Third Way, which includes the Mr. Szymon Hołownia party, have signaled ambitions for the Marshal position, though he described speculation about individual candidates as premature.
Even if not every issue is finalized, changes can occur. Kierwiński underscored that personnel speculation is premature while substantive work progresses.
“Statesman”
In Kierwiński’s view, Donald Tusk stands as a candidate for prime minister for the entire term, potentially beyond. He argued that Tusk fulfills the criteria of a statesman and could lead for the duration needed in these challenging times.
During a discussion on the broadcast, Kierwiński also touched on the possibility of Tusk returning to European politics, including a Brussels role. He rejected insinuations about a near-term European return, framing such rumors as political tactics used by rivals. He asserted that Tusk is already a strong figure in European politics and that speculation about a return is unfounded.
The discussion also covered the composition of the cabinet. Kierwiński acknowledged that the number of deputy prime ministers would depend on the government’s structure and that this aspect remains adaptable. He noted the likelihood of having several deputies, depending on how the administration is organized.
Asked about completing the coalition agreement within the week, Kierwiński reiterated a commitment to addressing substantive issues promptly, while acknowledging that projecting a precise timeline is difficult. He suggested that revealing the agreement soon would help end ongoing speculation about parliamentary majority and leadership roles.
Regarding public disclosure, he indicated that the substantive elements of the coalition agreement would be made public, while specifics about ministerial appointments would be decided through votes in the Sejm. The substantive program outlining responsibilities and policy focus areas would be released for public review.
On whether the agreement would be general or specific, Kierwiński explained that while the document would not list concrete bills, it would set clear objectives for the new government, outline ambitions, and describe plans to restore the rule of law in Poland.
No Transfers
Kierwiński assured that the government envisioned by Donald Tusk does not require moving sitting parliamentarians from Law and Justice, and he opposed such practices. He stated that the coalition holds a solid majority of 248 seats in the Sejm, which he deemed sufficient.
He voiced strong opposition to political transfers and suggested that anyone who served within the PiS apparatus would not be easily repurposed to rebuild democracy. The electoral breakdown from October 15 showed Law and Justice with 194 seats, KO with 157, Third Way with 65, New Left with 26, and Confederacy with 18.
President Andrzej Duda had recently met with electoral commissions leaders who will have representation in the new Sejm. He indicated two political blocs claiming a parliamentary majority and a candidate for prime minister, with Morawiecki representing the United Right and Donald Tusk as the candidate supported by KO, Third Way, and the Left. He noted that KO, Third Way, and the Left had not yet formally formed a coalition or produced a coalition agreement or ministerial nominations.