Tusk's leadership of Civic Coalition seems unquestionable, say members
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is all but certain to assume leadership of the newly formed Civic Coalition (KO) party, following a merger with two junior political powers, party members have said.
The Civic Coalition (KO), Poland's main political alliance, was initially established ahead of the 2018 local elections as a coalition between Tusk's Civic Platform (PO) and the Nowoczesna (Modern) party, later joined by the Polish Initiative and the Greens.
On Saturday, at its convention, the PO announced the formation of a new unified party, bringing together Nowoczesna and the Polish Initiative under the Civic Coalition banner.
As part of the merger, the party will adopt new statutes, unveil a new logo and elect its leadership in January. Speaking to PAP, party members were unanimous in their belief that Tusk's leadership was undisputed.
Deputy leader of the PO and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, called the matter a "foregone conclusion," adding, "I haven't heard of any other candidates." Another party member admitted that even if other candidates emerged, they would not pose a significant challenge to Tusk's position.
Senator Tomasz Grodzki echoed these sentiments, noting that the party's praesidium would be expanded to include politicians from the now-dissolved Nowoczesna and Polish Initiative parties, ensuring broader representation in the leadership.
The unification of these parties comes as Tusk seeks to broaden his support base ahead of Poland's next parliamentary elections. The vote could shape the country's political future, determining whether it moves further toward right-wing rule or adopts a more liberal government stance. (PAP)
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