On October 24, 2023, leaders of the three opposition groups, who collectively secured a parliamentary majority in recent elections, jointly announced their intention to establish a coalition

government and put forward Donald Tusk as their candidate for prime minister. This announcement was made during a press conference held in the parliament.

The announcement comes as President Andrzej Duda is tasked with appointing a new prime minister and is currently engaged in talks with the various parliamentary groups in the Sejm, the more powerful lower house of the parliament.

It remains uncertain whether President Duda will offer the ruling national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party or the opposition the initial opportunity to form a government. Traditionally, the largest party in the newly elected parliament, in this case, PiS, would be given the first chance to do so.

However, it is highly unlikely that PiS can secure a parliamentary majority. Szymon Hołownia, one of the opposition's leaders representing the center-right Third Way (Trzecia Droga), urged President Duda not to delay the process, emphasizing that there is a parliamentary majority ready to act.

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, another prominent leader of the Third Way, echoed the sentiment, encouraging the president to appoint a prime minister from the majority already present in the Sejm.

Włodzimierz Czarzasty, a leader of The Left (Lewica), also called upon President Duda to expedite the process, stressing that there is a majority in the Sejm capable of electing a government. He expressed support for the designation of Donald Tusk as prime minister and giving him the mandate to form a government.

Donald Tusk, who represents the centrist Civic Coalition (KO), expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by his partners. He highlighted the cooperation built on partnership and trust, stating the readiness to establish a government and expressing a desire for constructive collaboration with the president to address the pressing needs of the Polish people.

President Duda is scheduled to meet with each parliamentary group based on their election results. At the time of publication, the meeting with PiS, the largest party, is ongoing. Subsequently, he will hold discussions with Civic Coalition, Third Way, The Left, and the far-right Confederation (Konfederacja) in the coming days.

During these meetings, President Duda intends to inquire about each group's choice for prime minister, their ability to secure a parliamentary majority, and their proposed policies related to the economy, defense, and energy.

President Duda has not disclosed which group will be given the initial opportunity to form a government. While earlier indications pointed towards PiS, recent statements from his aides have suggested that the opposition might also be considered if they can demonstrate unity and the ability to form a government based on a parliamentary majority. Photo by EU2017EE Estonian Presidency, Wikimedia commons.