Tusk sets confidence vote for June 11
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that a confidence vote in his coalition government will take place on June 11, during an additional sitting of the Sejm, the lower house of parliament.
Tusk had pledged to seek the vote following the presidential election loss of his coalition's candidate, Rafal Trzaskowski, vowing to show unity and readiness to govern under newly elected President Karol Nawrocki, who was backed by the socially-conservative opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS).
"I raised the issue of a vote of confidence with the October 15 coalition leaders. (Sejm) Speaker Szymon Holownia proposed holding the vote next Wednesday, June 11. It was initially planned for Tuesday, but the Sejm chamber is occupied that day," Tusk said on Tuesday.
Holownia, leader of Poland 2050, a junior coalition partner, confirmed he had proposed the new date and that most of the session would be devoted to the debate.
"I persuaded the prime minister to wait a little with his planned request," he said, adding that the vote should take place "when we can show not only that we have a majority in the Sejm, but also a new quality."
Holownia also announced that another meeting of coalition leaders is expected in the coming days, likely on Thursday.
In line with the constitution, the prime minister may ask the Sejm for a confidence vote at any time during their term of office. If they survive the vote, this will show they still have a mandate to govern. Failure will oblige the prime minister to submit their resignation to the president. (PAP)
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