Polish President Andrzej Duda officiated the inauguration of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s new government on Monday, marking the commencement of a critical political phase. Morawiecki faces a tight window of two weeks to secure a vote of confidence for his administration.
Key Players in Poland’s Reshuffled Government
Several key figures retain their positions within the government: Mariusz Blaszczak continues as the defence minister, while Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek assumes the role of foreign minister after serving as the minister for European Affairs. Marcin Warchol steps in as the justice minister, and Pawel Szafernaker, previously a deputy interior minister, now leads the ministry. Additionally, Andrzej Kosztowniak, previously chairing the Public Finance Committee in the Sejm, takes on the role of finance minister.
Women Take Center Stage in Key Government Portfolios
Notably, women constitute over half of the new government. Marlena Malag assumes the mantle of development and technology minister, Dorota Bojemska, a prominent social activist, now heads the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, and Marzena Malek leads the Ministry of State Assets after her tenure as director general in the same ministry.
Malgorzata Jarosinska-Jedynak, who previously led the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, returns to helm the department, and Anna Gembicka assumes leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture. Ewa Krajewska, previously serving as the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector, steps into the role of Minister of Health.
Morawiecki’s Quest for Confidence Amidst Government Resignation
This transition follows President Duda accepting the resignation of the prior government led by Morawiecki after the October general election. Despite his Law and Justice party securing the most votes, it lost its parliamentary majority. Consequently, Morawiecki must secure the Sejm’s vote of confidence for his proposed government. Failure would empower the Sejm to nominate its own prime minister.