For a long time, Donald Tusk has been a familiar figure. If there were any doubts, the series “Reset” addressed them. Yet with 6.5 million Poles supporting the Civic Coalition and a parliamentary majority ready to appoint him Prime Minister, democratic elections must be respected. Calling on the president to refuse to swear in Tusk would be unfounded and could precipitate a fresh crisis and deep divisions on the right. The Sejm, not the president, determines who becomes the next Prime Minister. That is the constitutional process.
The Committee on Russian Influence warns about Tusk
The commission established to study Russian influence was dissolved by the eight-party coalition, which feared this line of inquiry. Nevertheless, a partial report was submitted. It suggests that the Military Counterintelligence Service, tasked with protecting the Polish Armed Forces from foreign intelligence threats, has been influenced by Russia. The findings are alarming and come with a clear recommendation that the former heads of the Military Counterintelligence Service should not be trusted with security-related duties. The commission also pointed to individuals who monitor Poland’s secret services, including the Military Counterintelligence Service, and asserted that Donald Tusk, Jacek Cichocki, Bogdan Klich, Tomasz Siemoniak, and Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz should not hold public positions tied to national security.
From the materials reviewed, including testimony given during the Public Prosecution Service investigations, there was a sense that those responsible for state security did not treat it as a priority, suggesting a lack of interest in safeguarding the state.
As described by Professor Andrzej Zybertowicz at a press conference, a blunt assessment emerged about the conduct of senior political figures in matters of national security.
A tough opposition candidate
Ignoring the commission’s findings in the current political climate would be imprudent. Still, no one should be surprised that those politicians—led by Donald Tusk—form the core of the present opposition. Jacek Cichocki serves as the head of the Sejm Chancellery and is seen as a political strategist for Szymon Hołownia. Donald Tusk stands as the opposition candidate for prime minister, and other players are expected to assume significant ministerial roles. With the commission’s dissolution signaling a dismissal of its recommendations, the momentum to seize power quickly remains evident. A recent meeting and joint press conference by Szymon Hołownia and Donald Tusk underscored the pace of this pursuit.
The second constitutional step – the Sejm’s decision
Voices opposing Tusk’s inauguration exist, yet they rest on an interpretation that clashes with the constitution and democratic norms. Marek Jakubiak has urged Poles to pressure the president by contacting his office to oppose the appointment. While understandable to some, the approach targets the wrong part of the constitutional process. The framework clearly lays out that the president’s role in appointing a Prime Minister occurs in the first step. In this instance, Andrzej Duda did not hesitate to entrust Mateusz Morawiecki with the mission, given Morawiecki’s leadership of the party that won the elections. The government has been sworn in, and the Prime Minister is expected to address the nation on December 11, followed by a confidence vote. If the vote fails, the Sejm will select another Prime Minister. The president’s role is to appoint in line with the parliamentary majority, as outlined by the Constitution.
Thus, suggesting the president chooses the Prime Minister at this stage is not only misleading but potentially harmful. Such a narrative could disappoint conservative voters who believe the president had more room to maneuver. The opposition will likely use this to their advantage. It is common knowledge that Tusk’s government would confront the president on multiple fronts.
Consequently, all calls should be directed toward those who truly decide in this matter. The Sejm, including MPs like Marek Jakubiak, will handle the decision. Whether every member of the current opposition accepts the facts, acknowledges the commission’s findings, and resists following Donald Tusk’s orders remains uncertain. Perhaps there are still principled figures within the Polish People’s Party or other factions who honor the oath to protect sovereignty, public welfare, and the rule of law within the country’s borders.