Polish government wins vote of confidence amid presidential setback

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has secured a vote of confidence in his pro-European Union government, reaffirming parliamentary support despite his political alliance’s narrow loss in the recent presidential election.

The vote, held on June 11 in the lower house of parliament, the Sejm, saw 243 lawmakers back Tusk’s coalition government, with 210 opposed and no abstentions, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

While largely a procedural step—given the coalition’s 12-seat majority—the vote underscored the political stakes following the election of Karol Nawrocki, a socially conservative candidate backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party. Nawrocki is widely expected to emulate outgoing President Andrzej Duda in wielding the presidential veto to block key government reforms.

Addressing lawmakers before the vote, Tusk acknowledged the heightened challenges ahead, stating, "We cannot close our eyes to the reality that the government faces greater challenges." He added, "I'm asking you for a vote of confidence because I have the conviction, faith and certainty that we have a mandate to govern, to take full responsibility for what is happening in Poland."

Tusk also announced a cabinet reshuffle for July and called for full mobilisation within his government for the remaining two and a half years of its term. Citing Polish tennis star Iga Świątek’s recent defeat at the French Open, he noted, "Victory belongs to the most tenacious."

Despite the vote of confidence, Tusk’s government lacks the supermajority needed to override presidential vetoes. Key campaign promises—such as liberalising abortion laws and reforming the judiciary—remain stalled due to internal coalition disagreements and the certainty of presidential rejection.

Critics in parliament have mocked Tusk’s ambitions, suggesting he may fare no better in enacting reforms than Świątek did in defending her title. The PiS benches were notably empty during Tusk’s speech, a symbolic gesture of opposition.

Nonetheless, Tusk defended his record on defence spending and migration policy and highlighted Poland’s renewed stature in Europe, referencing a recent mutual defence treaty with France. "Poland has returned to Europe’s top table," he declared, receiving a standing ovation from his own MPs.

By Vafa Guliyeva