During a press conference, Donald Tusk was asked how he assesses the presidency of Karol Nawrocki. Although the head of the December 13 Coalition tried to approach the subject rather enigmatically, he eventually lost patience. And then came a remark about the Polish president’s diplomatic mission.
Today in Łomża, a press conference was held with, among others, the head of government. Interestingly, Donald Tusk for the first time allowed TV Republika (TVR) to take part in the briefing. What’s more, at one point he even insisted that “Republika also has a voice.”
At a certain point, Tusk was asked about his assessment of Karol Nawrocki’s presidency and how cooperation between the government and the head of state is going. And that’s when it began…
“It’s too early for us to make any kind of summary. I’m showing maximum goodwill. As you know, I voted for another candidate. I have very serious reservations about some of his views, as well as the political camp that supports the president. However, I am showing maximum goodwill. This is a good tradition in Poland. There have been different presidents, different prime ministers, but from the very beginning of Niepodległa (Independent Poland), we’ve managed to maintain consensus – meaning that Poland’s defense and international interests should be kept outside of political brawls. I care deeply that it stays this way.”
Tusk said at the start, trying to navigate the topic rather “gracefully.” He added that “this requires cooperation and basic trust.”
Tusk tried to remain gentle, but it didn’t work…
He referred to his brief conversation with President Nawrocki at Westerplatte. But here, his tone began to shift. “That was what I conveyed very directly to the president at Westerplatte, during our one-on-one meeting – that we will argue, and if I have a different view, I am ready to fight if I know it’s in Poland’s interest. But I am absolutely ready for harmonious cooperation on international matters and on security – there should be no conflict there. Today, however, it’s too early, because we’re getting mixed signals, as you can see yourselves. I feel that face to face, our cooperation looks decent, but when it comes to the facts, to cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ), with our diplomats, I see friction and unnecessary emotions. I don’t know. Maybe it will smooth out,” Tusk stated.
In the end, he couldn’t resist throwing in a remark about Karol Nawrocki’s international visits. Especially considering what Donald Trump recently said – that the US will not withdraw its troops from Poland and may even increase their presence – Tusk’s comment seemed completely illogical.
“I hope the president will gain experience and realize that it’s much better to go abroad fully convinced that he represents the entire Polish state, and not just his own group or himself. I hope this message reaches the president’s staff,” Tusk remarked.