Donald Tusk made a clear diagnosis of the political situation in Poland, commenting on the process of swearing in by Karol Nawrocki. On the day that was to be the crown of the fresh president's career, the attention of many observers focused not so much on Nawrocki's words as did Jarosław Kaczyński's reactions and Donald Tusk's harsh assessment.
The Prime Minister spared no words, analyzing both the message of the fresh president and the atmosphere in the room. He noted the tension he felt among the politicians of the erstwhile right, and especially with the leader of the Law and Justice. Tusk noted:
"The most upset individual in the area was Jarosław Kaczyński. I do not blame him.”
He added with full conviction:
“There has been a change of watch on the right hand. A clearly fresh leader of the right appeared.”
In his eyes Kaczyński, a erstwhile undisputed leader, was clearly marginalized. He confirmed this in his next statement:
"The only upset and sadder politician in the area was Jarosław Kaczyński, and I am not surprised. I think that these nerves of president Kaczyński are justified.”
However, Tusk did not limit himself to individual comments. He besides referred to the speech and content of president Nawrocki's message. On the 1 hand, he pointed out that it was well prepared, but did not hide criticism of its ambitions:
“In short, this is not the first time I have listened to the speech of the president as Prime Minister, in which 1 can see the desire to have the powers that the Prime Minister and the Government have in the Polish political system.”
The Prime Minister recalled the fundamental constitutional order:
“The president represents and the government rules.”
Tusk expressed concern at the effort to extend presidential prerogatives, which his government, as he announced, would not allow:
"I hope that this unspeakable and confrontational speech will not have applicable consequences. But if necessary, of course we will stand firm as guardians of the constitution and the rules that apply in our country."
He besides referred to the President's many appeals to the Constitution:
"The constitution which president Nawrocki has referred to many times in his speech is clear."
Although the Prime Minister was critical of any passages of the message, he did not close the door to cooperation. He stressed his readiness to act together, especially in areas requiring the unity of the state, specified as safety or defence. However, this is only possible if the president acts in accordance with the Constitution and does not effort to exceed his powers.
Tusk's statements are more than just a reaction to 1 speech. This is the political alignment of government-president relations. The Prime Minister has made it clear from the outset that constitutional balance cannot be affected.
Tusk's full comment besides fits into a broader image of political shuffling. In the PiS environment, conflict ripens – the fresh president is increasingly building his position and Jarosław Kaczyński loses influence. The Prime Minister noticed this and called it by name without hesitation.
“I don’t want to be in his skin today.”
In Tusk's eyes, this is the time of the fresh era, and the government he directs is not going to quit the field either politically or institutionally.
