Polish political maneuvering points to a potential resignation from the mission to form a new government
Political observers note that Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki may step back from the task of assembling a government after persistent difficulties in securing a parliamentary majority and sufficient support in the Sejm. These assessments come from Marek Sawicki, a senior member of the PSL, during a television interview on TVN24. Sawicki indicated that President Andrzej Duda is expected to entrust Morawiecki with the mission on November 13 or 14, despite solid opposition in parliament preventing easy coalition building.
The plan, as described by Sawicki, gives Morawiecki a fourteen-day window to act, but the prime minister could choose not to use the full period. In practical terms, Morawiecki might inform the President on the same day of the appointment that, given the lack of parliamentary majority and the absence of viable support for his government in the Sejm, he is resigning from the mission. Sawicki framed this as a realistic option rather than a hypothetical move.
From there, Sawicki explained, the chairman of the Sejm would initiate a process in which the parliamentary majority nominates a candidate for the premiership. He indicated that the prevailing expectation points toward Donald Tusk as the potential successor, should the current prime minister step aside.
According to Sawicki, Morawiecki is likely to consider this pathway, fully aware that he does not command a majority in the Sejm and knowing that his conduct will be closely scrutinized. Sawicki suggested that this course would be fair under the circumstances, given the current balance of power and the options available on the table.
During the interview, Sawicki described the proposal as a suggestion derived from conversations with lawyers and constitutional experts, noting that it would not be the prerogative of any single individual to accelerate the process. He added that if Morawiecki resigns after the President entrusts him with the mission, the Sejm Speaker could call a new session after a seven-day interval, potentially on November 21.
The next phase would involve selecting a new candidate for the premiership. If the President promises to install this candidate immediately, Donald Tusk could present a new government to the Sejm within a few days and seek a vote of confidence. Sawicki asserted that Tusk would be prepared for such a rapid progression, given his extensive political experience and the ongoing negotiations for a broader coalition.
Sawicki also asserted that the formed majority coalition has been in talks for some time, with Tusk widely regarded as an experienced statesman who might already have a cabinet in mind, even if the specifics have not been publicly confirmed. In addition, he hinted that Szymon Hołownia, the leader of Poland 2050, could emerge as the chairman of the Sejm in the near term, based on current indications.
These developments paint a picture of a fluid political environment where timing and parliamentary arithmetic will shape the next steps. They underscore the possibility that a reshuffled leadership team could take shape within days if the government formation process is adjusted in light of the parliamentary realities. The situation remains in flux as parties weigh options and respond to evolving negotiations.
Source note: this analysis reflects remarks and interpretations from a PSL figure and reflects ongoing reporting surrounding the possible outcomes of government formation discussions in Poland.