“Are you not simply, as human beings, curious about the real results of the vote? Of course you are. And as we all know, those who are honest have nothing to fear,” wrote Prime Minister Donald Tusk in his latest post on platform X. Has the Prime Minister changed his stance again on the election results just a few days later? His statement prompted a swift response from both Law and Justice (PiS) leader Jarosław Kaczyński and President Andrzej Duda.
Following congratulations from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Karol Nawrocki after the elections, it seemed unlikely that Tusk would question the result. The Prime Minister remained silent for some time after this endorsement from his EU mentor. Eventually, the day after the vote, he released a video in which he not only declared that he would “get to work,” but also acknowledged: “Regardless of how we assess the winning candidate, his victory should be recognized and his voters congratulated.” He then added, “Which I hereby do. I also thank the runner-up for his determination and his fight for every vote until the end.” Notably, however, Tusk did not mention the name of the winner. In his entire statement, only once was the name of Rafał Trzaskowski mentioned.
Playing the “Good Cop” Role
In the weeks that followed, various claims of organized electoral fraud began to circulate—particularly promoted by Roman Giertych and the Silni Razem (Strong Together) group. During this period, Tusk maintained his image as the “good cop” and a rational statesman.
As recently as June 6, he had written: “I understand the emotions, but assuming in advance that the elections were rigged does not serve the Polish state.”
A Sudden Change of Heart
Recent developments suggest a strategic shift: rather than reshuffling a sluggish and ineffective government, the ruling party may now see a political advantage in confronting PiS head-on. It appears that Tusk did not take sufficient note of analyses detailing the defeat of the December 13 Coalition’s candidate, and has now decided to escalate the conflict.
“Are you not simply, as human beings, curious about the real results of the vote? Of course you are. And as we all know, those who are honest have nothing to fear,” Tusk wrote, directly addressing President Duda, Karol Nawrocki, and Jarosław Kaczyński.
This statement from the Prime Minister dashed any hopes that he might appeal for reason within his own ranks, where election results are being actively challenged.
It seems he forgot that he himself leads the government and that his ruling coalition has been in power for a year and a half.
Shooting Himself in the Foot
Jarosław Kaczyński was quick to respond. He accused Tusk of trying to distract from real issues and referenced a disturbing case—reported by the news outlet Niezalezna.pl—of a 4-month-old infant who died after being removed from his mother’s care.
“Today, public opinion is shaken by the death of a young child and the way his mother was treated during the funeral. Is this the result of applying the law, as you put it, ‘as we understand it’? Even worse, all indications suggest that this case was deliberately kept from the public for a month. Stop looking for distractions. I remind you and your party that a full recount of all votes is not provided for under Polish law. The Constitution and the principle of legalism derived from it (Article 7) still apply in Poland,” Kaczyński wrote on platform X.
“Your government should focus on real problems. The tragedy that befell this family in Warsaw is something we will not let go unanswered. Citizens must not be left defenseless in the face of a ruthless state apparatus. Once again, we are seeing a state that is strong against the weak…” he added.
President Duda Responds to Tusk as Well
President Andrzej Duda also replied to the Prime Minister.
“Mr. Donald Tusk and his colleagues simply cannot accept their defeat in the presidential election. (…) You believe that you should always win, and that’s that! What you are doing now is nothing more than a political tantrum. Your coalition appointed its own trusted representatives to every electoral commission. You chose the members of the National Electoral Commission. Polling companies hired by media outlets supporting your candidate conducted the surveys. And now what?!? Everyone cheated? Everyone lied? Your own people miscounted the votes just so you could lose?” wrote the President.
“I’m not curious about the results of the presidential election—I know them. They were officially announced by the National Electoral Commission. I know them just as every Polish citizen and political leader around the world does—those who congratulated President-Elect Karol Nawrocki,” Duda stated.
“Please, stop with the provocations, the falsehoods, and the pressure. This does not serve Poland, nor the sense of security of our citizens. One must know how to lose with dignity and respect the rules of democracy,” he concluded.