A senior member of the PSL, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, was described by fellow lawmakers as a strong candidate for the premiership, though the final consensus favored Donald Tusk as the prime ministerial choice, reflecting the agreements among KO, Lewica and Trzecia Droga. This view was shared by MP Marek Sawicki, who emphasized respect for the coalition’s arrangements while commenting on the political balancing act that followed the elections.
Kosiniak-Kamysz was asked on a radio program what he would do if the president tasked him with forming a government. He responded that during a meeting at the presidential palace, the leaders of the Third Way clearly indicated to the president that a parliamentary majority existed. This set the tone for discussions about who would lead the government and which party could command the support of the Sejm.
The PSL leadership announced that Donald Tusk had been nominated as candidate for prime minister, a stance supported by the group that helped shape the Senate pact and by others who wished to demonstrate the composition of the majority. Sawicki noted that any discussions beyond this point would be a misallocation of time and energy.
When questioned about the possibility of being entrusted with forming a government, Kosiniak-Kamysz suggested that the president would act in a way that yields a positive outcome. He also highlighted a clear division of responsibilities, indicating that the core decision about the mission to form a government had a defined locus, while other details remained open to negotiation.
The PSL deputy described how the president had previously been asked about this scenario and had stated that the parliamentary majority’s candidate for prime minister was Donald Tusk. He reiterated his view that Kosiniak-Kamysz would likely be a stronger option than Tusk, yet acknowledged the consensus among KO, Lewica and Trzecia Droga and expressed respect for that agreement.
Asked whether Kosiniak-Kamysz would decline the presidency and refuse the task, the party member replied that the president does not appear inclined to bid. Sawicki asserted that Andrzej Duda would likely offer the formation of a government to Donald Tusk as the initial step, reflecting the current political arrangement.
During recent consultations at the presidential palace, discussions involved the president and representatives from the electoral committees that will participate in the next Sejm. The president tentatively scheduled the first Sejm session of the 10th term for Monday, November 13, and noted that two political groups claimed parliamentary majority with a candidate for prime minister: United Right backed Mateusz Morawiecki, while KO, Third Way and Left supported Donald Tusk.
Election results showed PiS with 194 seats, KO with 157, Third Way with 65, New Left with 26, and Confederation with 18. The constitution provides a three-step process for forming a government after elections. First, the president plays a central role, appointing the prime minister and ensuring government support from an absolute majority in the Sejm. If that attempt fails, the Sejm takes the initiative. Then the prime minister and government must secure an absolute majority in the presence of at least half of the deputies. If the parliament fails to form a government, the initiative returns to the president, and a simple majority suffices for a vote of confidence.
In the broader political landscape, the ongoing discussions reflect the delicate balance between party coalitions and the responsibilities of the presidency in shaping the next government.