The collision of the presidential elections in Poland with the period of Poland’s presidency in the Council of the European Union risks that the leadership of Warsaw in the Community becomes a hostage of the election campaign of Donald Tusk’s camp, writes “Le Monde”.
“2025 will be a decisive year for Tusk, both domestically and on the European stage,” writes the French newspaper, noting that the Polish presidency (first half of 2025) coincides with Polish presidential elections in May.
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“To complete their projects, the Tusk camp must take over the office of the president, which is currently held by Andrzej Duda of the PiS. In Poland, the president has the right of veto, which makes the current coexistence arrangement very difficult for them. In this context , Tusk hopes that the presidency of the European Union will allow him to choose the right pro-European government, which could become a kind of pre-election demonstration.
Poland assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union. “It is mainly dedicated to our security,” Arleta Zalewska/TVN Fact
“Le Monde” about Tusk’s influence
As the newspaper notes, there are a number of issues in which Tusk does not always agree with Europe. “Le Monde” here points to climate policy (“Poland fights to protect farmers from green deal”) and migration policy.
He recalls that in December, the Tusk government adopted an amendment to the act of granting international protection to foreigners, which suspended the right to asylum. However, he notes that this was ultimately done with the approval of the EU institutions, which the paper says proves Tusk’s huge influence in Brussels.
Donald TuskPAP
Elements of Tusk’s position in the EU include a strong network of contacts, including a close relationship with new budget commissioner Piotr Serafin, and confidence in defense matters due to Poland’s high spending on the cause.
Main photo source: PAP