Polish president open to role of PM after end of term

Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed openness to assuming the role of prime minister once his second and final term ends — provided he receives such an offer and it aligns with political circumstances.

In an interview with Wnet, Duda said that the office of the prime minister, as the country’s most important executive role, does not in any way diminish the dignity of a former president, Caliber.Az reports.

“The head of government is the most important executive position in the state,” Duda said. “And the post of prime minister in no way undermines the dignity of the president.”

He noted that precedent exists in Polish political history: former President Aleksander Kwaśniewski, who held office from 1995 to 2005, was nominated for prime minister after his presidency ended. Duda said no one at the time questioned the suitability of such a move.

Duda emphasised that his potential future role would be guided by “political necessity and public expectations.” However, he ruled out serving as Marshal (Speaker) of the Sejm, stating that “to do so, one must first become a member of parliament,” which he is not.

Duda, who has served two consecutive five-year terms as president, will conclude his presidency on August 6, 2025, in accordance with constitutional requirements. His current term began on 6 August 2020.

Poland's president-elect, Karol Nawrocki, is scheduled to take office on the same day, marking the official transition of power. The timeline aligns with the State Electoral Commission’s announcement of the final election results on June 2.

Following the announcement, voters have until June 16 to submit any legal challenges to the Supreme Court regarding the election's validity. The court must then rule on the matter by July 2, based on the commission’s report and any formally lodged objections.

According to Polish law, the president-elect must be sworn in before the National Assembly on the final day of the outgoing president’s term. Nawrocki is therefore set to take the oath and assume office on August 6, as Duda steps down.

The 2025 presidential election was among the most tightly contested in Poland's recent history. Backed by the country’s right-wing opposition, Nawrocki secured 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating centrist candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%. Ballots were fully counted in 100% of precincts.

By Tamilla Hasanova