Polish President Andrzej Duda faced criticism after expressing uncertainty about Ukraine's ability to regain control of Russian-occupied Crimea, despite Poland's strong support for Ukraine. Duda's comments were met with backlash from lawmakers in Poland's ruling coalition, with the country's Foreign Minister emphasizing recognition of Ukraine's independence within its established borders. Duda later sought to clarify his position, reaffirming support for Ukraine against Russian aggression while attempting to defuse the controversy.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda has pardoned two imprisoned opposition politicians for the second time, citing concern for their health and the wishes of Law and Justice party supporters. The politicians, former Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński and his former deputy, Maciej Wąsik, were arrested earlier this month and had gone on a hunger strike. Duda's decision has sparked criticism, with some arguing that his 2015 pardon was ineffective and that he is disregarding Poland's law in favor of the ruling party's interests.
Poland's political conflict intensifies as PM Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda show no signs of backing down. The dispute stems from Tusk's administration's actions to purge previous government associates, control public media, and reverse justice system changes. Tensions have escalated over the dismissal of the head of the National Public Prosecutor’s Office and the imprisonment of two politicians, leading to a standoff between the two leaders. Duda calls for de-escalation, while Tusk insists on upholding the law and constitution. The conflict highlights the power struggle between the ruling party and those seeking to restore Poland as a European liberal democracy.
Two Polish politicians convicted of abuse of power, who had sought refuge in the presidential palace, were arrested by police, escalating a standoff between the new and previous governments. President Andrzej Duda, aligned with the Law and Justice party, welcomed the politicians into the palace, prompting accusations from Prime Minister Donald Tusk of obstructing justice. The dispute centers on the convictions of the politicians, who were pardoned by Duda in 2015 but had their pardons overturned by the Supreme Court. The arrests have led to a deep constitutional crisis and sparked outrage and support from various political figures in Poland.
Two Polish politicians convicted of abuse of power were arrested after taking refuge in the presidential palace, escalating a standoff between the new government and the previous ruling party. President Andrzej Duda, aligned with the Law and Justice party, welcomed the men into the palace, leading to accusations of obstructing justice from Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The dispute centers on the convictions of the politicians, who insist they are innocent, and their subsequent arrest has sparked a constitutional crisis and political turmoil in Poland.
Polish President Andrzej Duda will announce the new prime minister on Monday evening, ending weeks of uncertainty after the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party lost its parliamentary majority in the October election. The pro-European Union opposition parties, which won a combined 248 seats, are expected to form the next government, with Civic Coalition (KO) leader Donald Tusk as the potential prime minister. Despite the unlikelihood of finding a coalition partner, PiS's outgoing Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki still intends to try and form a government.
Polish President Andrzej Duda will nominate a candidate for prime minister on Monday, following the October 15 election. The three largest opposition parties have expressed their readiness to form a coalition led by former PM Donald Tusk, but Duda, a former member of the incumbent Law and Justice (PiS) party, is expected to give the leader of the largest party the first opportunity to form a government. If the nominee fails a vote of confidence, the parliament will select a candidate.
Poland's three largest opposition parties have proposed forming a coalition to replace the incumbent Law and Justice party and have asked President Andrzej Duda to allow them to form a government. The opposition parties have a majority in parliament and are urging Duda to move quickly in appointing a new prime minister. If Duda allows the incumbent party a first try, it could be mid-December before an opposition-led coalition can take power.
Poland's lawmakers have approved an amended law on Russian influences, which is seen as targeting the opposition and has drawn criticism from the U.S. and the European Union. The law, proposed by Poland's ruling Law and Justice party, requires a commission to investigate whether politicians made decisions under Russian influence that could threaten Poland's security. President Andrzej Duda proposed urgent amendments to tone down the law, which were approved by the lower house. The law now only requires Duda's signature to take effect. Critics argue that the law violates the Polish Constitution and could hinder government opponents from holding public office, particularly in the upcoming parliamentary election.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda has announced that he will sign a bill authorising a panel to investigate Russian influence, despite opposition criticism that it is a witch hunt against government opponents in an election year. The bill has faced strong opposition from critics who say any attempt to disqualify opposition figures from government would damage democracy. The panel's members would be chosen by parliament, where the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party commands a narrow majority.
