Poland elects pro-EU prime minister

Opposition party leader Donald Tusk was elected to the office of prime minister Monday evening in a 248-201 vote. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki lost a confidence vote in parliament earlier in the day. The group holding a majority of seats in Parliament comprises three parties—the Third Way, the Left, and Tusk’s Civil Coalition. Tusk also previously served as prime minister from 2007 to 2014. Tusk is scheduled to present his plans for the government on Tuesday and then face his own confidence vote. If approved, Polish President Andrzej Duda is expected to swear him in by Wednesday.

What are Tusk’s political beliefs? Tusk previously served as European Council president and supports strengthening ties with fellow European Union countries. Tusk is also expected to revitalize support for neighboring Ukraine in its war against Russia. Tusk’s philosophies contrast with the previous right-wing Law and Justice party, which focused on keeping Poland away from foreign influence while increasing living standards. The Law and Justice Party was also known for passing pro-life legislation and allowing individual municipalities to declare “LGBTQ-idealogy free zones.” 

Dig deeper: Listen to Jenny Lind Schmitt’s report on the pro-life movement in Poland on The World and Everything in It podcast.