Party leaders discuss changes in gov't after failed election
The leaders of Poland's ruling coalition parties met on Thursday to discuss changes needed in the government after the defeat of the coalition's presidential candidate in the June 1 run-off election.
In the second round of the presidential ballot, Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by the main opposition party, the socially-conservative Law and Justice, triumphed over the centrist Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, a member of the ruling Civic Coalition (KO), who was also supported by other parties within the governing coalition.
Comments from party leaders after the Thursday meeting were vague but indicated the need for a shift in government policy and its composition.
Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, a leader of The Left, told a press conference that there had been a consensus that a government reshuffle "must happen" and that the coalition party leaders required a month and a half to reach an agreement.
Szymon Holownia, the leader of the centre-right Poland 2050, said decisions had been made regarding government organisation, policy and an impending reshuffle.
Wladyslaw-Kosiniak Kamysz, the leader of the agrarian Polish People's Party, said "emotions were running high.
"But something good is emerging out of it, (we are - PAP) cooperating, united towards a goal, with a plan for Poland," he added.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has asked parliament for a vote of confidence on June 11 to reaffirm support for his government. (PAP)
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