Tusk signals shifts in the government before the European elections
Several media outlets report that Prime Minister Donald Tusk is planning a reshuffle of the government in the weeks ahead, with changes expected before the European Parliament elections. The chatter mentions ministers who might run for the European Parliament and others who could be dismissed if their actions do not align with the premier’s directives. Which names appear in this journalistic exchange?
After a hundred days in office, hardly any of the hundred campaign promises have materialized. This lag fuels speculation that a reorganization could become a focal point of the government’s strategy. Still, it appears Tusk has other priorities on his agenda for now.
READ ALSO: Tusk offers explanations for unfulfilled promises and hints at a possible government reconstruction: the plan may move forward, one way or another. The topic remains timely.
Tusk will punish
Insiders suggest that ministers from the Third Way coalition faction are under the closest scrutiny. In particular, the agriculture minister, Czesław Siekierski of PSL, is described as not fitting the moment’s demands amid farmer protests. The head of the Climate and Environment Ministry, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, who oversaw the wind-turbine issue, is also frequently cited.
Some close to the process say Siekierski would be defended, while Hennig-Kloska’s fate could hinge on broader coalition dynamics. One senior PSL official is quoted as saying that Hołownia would advocate differently, but a final decision remains unsettled.
Tusk will reward
According to media reporting, several ministers are considering taking seats in the European Parliament. The first name often mentioned is Borys Budka, who currently heads the Ministry of State Assets. Budka has indicated from the outset that his tenure there was a temporary role, with the European Parliament as the ultimate objective. The PSL’s Krzysztof Hetman, minister for Development and Technology, is also reported as eyeing a Brussels seat.
Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, the Culture Minister who recently clashed with public media, is another name associated with Brussels ambitions. The question remains whether Tusk will opt for a different course, especially since Sienkiewicz still has significant work to do to ensure a controversial arrangement remains intact. The Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska has been identified as a possible successor.
There is also ongoing speculation about the political plans of Minister Adam Bodnar, who has been described in some circles as a potential candidate who could ride to Brussels under the shield of parliamentary immunity.
“None of the ministers has asked me for a seat in Brussels, and if anyone wishes to run for the European Parliament while serving in government, they must first win the elections,” Tusk remarked, adding that it would be interesting to see who among the ministers feels ready to pursue such an opportunity at the European elections.
In the meantime, rather than sweeping changes to the cabinet, Poland has seen higher VAT on food and anticipated energy price increases slated for July. Issues around farmers and Ukraine trade remain unresolved. Yet there is some policy progress, including agreement on the migration pact and several elements of the Green Deal.
READ ALSO:
– Tusk’s Easter gift to the Poles. VAT on food declarations. A storm online. Some retailers may notice price changes—consumers might be surprised in stores.
– ONLY HERE. Buda comments on inflation, noting an application for a refund of the difference between PLN 5.19 and the petrol price at the station.
Source: wPolityce