Opposition parties with a pro-EU stance won a majority in Poland’s election on Sunday, marking a significant shift for the country after eight years of conflict with Brussels over issues such as press freedom, judicial independence, abortion, and LGBT rights. The opposition’s victory is also a triumph over far-right and right-wing populism in the EU.
Due to the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party’s anti-EU policies, the EU froze funds and prevented Poland’s access to 76.5 billion euros of EU cohesion funds, intended to improve the living standards in poorer regions of the EU. Additionally, the EU blocked access to 35.4 billion euros of COVID-19 recovery funds.
Donald Tusk, the leader of Poland’s largest liberal opposition group, Civic Coalition (KO), could become the next prime minister. He is attempting to unblock funds that have been frozen over concerns about the rule of law. According to a senior lawmaker from KO, Tusk is planning to travel to Brussels next week to convince EU leaders to take action.
Although the new government has yet to be formed, Tusk is a strong potential candidate to lead it, as the current ruling party, PiS, has been unable to find a coalition partner.
Donald Tusk will be meeting with the leaders of European countries in Brussels next week, said KO lawmaker Borys Budka. He also noted that KO did everything possible from day one to restore Poland’s position in the international arena to its rightful place.
