Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that despite losing the election, his coalition’s mandate has been renewed. “Perhaps we overestimated the belief that truth would defend itself,” he admitted.
On Wednesday, shortly after 9:00 AM, the Sejm began deliberations on a motion of confidence for Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government, which was accompanied by his policy address (exposé).
Opening his speech, Tusk stated that the political calendar revealed the challenges ahead for the ruling coalition. “There is no earthquake, but let’s be honest—two and a half years of work lie ahead of us under conditions that are unlikely to improve,” he said, referring to the election victory of Karol Nawrocki over his deputy, Rafał Trzaskowski.
“A president resistant to the changes we proposed for Poland and for our voters will be replaced by a president at least equally resistant to those changes and proposals,”
Tusk remarked, taking an immediately confrontational stance toward Nawrocki.
Lost Election – Yet the PM Asserts: The Mandate Has Been Renewed
Despite Trzaskowski’s loss to Nawrocki, Tusk maintained that the ruling coalition’s mandate had, in fact, been renewed. “More than 10 million votes in a lost presidential election represent a comparable level of public trust,” he said.
“I am seeking a vote of confidence because I have the conviction, the belief, and the certainty that we have a mandate to govern, to assume full responsibility for what is happening in Poland,” Tusk continued.
“Nothing relieves us of the responsibility for the fate of our country. I do not recognize the word ‘capitulation.’ That is not an option,” said the Prime Minister. Returning to the topic of the election, he raised the issue of alleged irregularities.
“Ten million people surely expect a thorough assessment of every report of irregularities or potential fraud. I do not understand the ridicule. Are you laughing at all the voters? Every voter has the right to know that their vote carries equal weight,” he stated.
Tusk: “Perhaps We Overestimated the Belief That Truth Would Defend Itself”
Tusk also reflected on whether the government’s actions may have influenced the election outcome. He admitted there was a “lack of information.”
“Some say it openly—you don’t boast enough. Well, yes, I’ll boast in a moment. Don’t be afraid,” he interjected.
“In our political philosophy, propaganda must not take precedence over truth. Lies in politics must not become more important than truth. Perhaps we overestimated the belief that truth would defend itself,” he concluded.