A recent survey indicates that a majority of Poles remain unconvinced by the idea of former prime minister Donald Tusk returning to office. The study, conducted by Social Changes and commissioned by the portal wPolityce.pl, shows that more than half of respondents, 52 percent, believe that Tusk’s reentry would not positively affect their lives. A notable 36 percent express a strong stance of absolute opposition.
The research team behind the project emphasizes that more than half of those polled think the comeback would not improve their personal situation.
A separate poll mirrors these sentiments. In December, OKO.press and TOK FM presented questions to the Polish public about whether they would support Donald Tusk becoming prime minister if the opposition won parliamentary elections and took power from PiS. The results were striking: about 63 percent did not want the leader of the Civic Coalition to return to the role, while roughly 20 percent opposed it. The data specifically referenced voters aligned with Civic Coalition.
Even within the ranks of the opposition, there appears to be skepticism about a Tusk-led government. Adrian Zandberg, who heads the leftist Together party, has repeatedly said in media appearances that Tusk is unlikely to lead a possible opposition administration. He has also criticized the lack of a concrete program from the Civic Coalition.
Dialogue about how the opposition should respond to a potential shift in government signposts continues. There is a sense of deprivation tied to the opposition’s proposals. A perception exists that the left leans toward specific solutions in areas such as energy, housing, public transport, and climate, while public discourse sometimes falls quiet. Observers describe a tangible reality that seems not fully addressed in public debate.
These points were raised during public remarks in October by Zandberg. Many analysts find it difficult to disagree with his assessment that the opposition has yet to present a comprehensive program. Critics note that while left-leaning slogans are sometimes adopted, party leaders acknowledge in media interviews that the exact program might be revealed after elections or could be premature because opponents might preemptively adopt proposed solutions. In conversations about policy directions, opinions range from laughter to reverie, while Donald Tusk repeatedly asserts that removing PiS from power constitutes a central objective. Some experts associated with the Civic Coalition and various politicians suggest specific policy directions after elections, including potential changes to social programs and retirement provisions. Several opposition voices also hint at defendingPoles against potential shifts they fear from Tusk and his allies.
Addressing PiS voters, a prominent figure from the Left urged skepticism about assurances that any party can guarantee benefits. The message stressed that voters should consider the broader landscape of governance rather than focusing on a single party. In remarks given at a representative gathering in Warsaw, a left-leaning leader underscored the commitment to ensuring that benefits are protected in the next administration. The secretary general of a leftist faction has reiterated to the media that the future government should preserve core benefits while balancing other policy goals.
Against this backdrop, observers question whether opposition politicians value the intellectual and strategic capacity of their own candidate, or if a broader, more unambiguous plan might be necessary. Some suggest that voters consider the implications of party coalitions and the likelihood that campaign promises will be translated into policy after elections. The debate underscores a central tension in Polish politics: the balance between immediate political maneuvering and the durability of long-term programs. The question remains whether a future administration will align with the expectations of various voter blocs and deliver a coherent set of policies that broaden support beyond symbolic opposition to the current government.
Ultimately, the political dialogue in Poland continues to reflect divergent views about leadership, policy priorities, and the role of opposition forces in shaping the country’s path forward. The conversation remains dynamic as parties assess public sentiment and refine their positions in the months leading up to any electoral decision. This analysis draws from recent public opinion research published by wPolityce and corroborating polls conducted by other media and research organizations.
Source: wPolityce