A breath of fresh air is sweeping through Warsaw as the government of Donald Tusk crosses its 100-day mark. It seems Poland’s reinvigorated politics resonate more with Beethoven’s jubilant Ode to Joy rather than Chopin’s nationalistic sonatas, once characterised as “hidden artillery among flowers” by Robert Schuman.
After suffering for eight years under the anti-European Law and Justice party’s (PiS) rule, the return of Tusk, a onetime President of the European Council, is notable. He has made strides in eradicating remnants of PiS’s stronghold on the state, including within the judiciary, legal institutions and media outlets – filled with PiS loyalists. This legacy caused robust divides within the country and ignited tensions with other EU members.
Notably, his regime has managed to free a staggering €57 billion from the EU’s post-pandemic recovery and resilience fund. The latter had been on hold for two years due to violations of the EU’s rule of law. This marks a clear endorsement of Tusk’s commitment to restoring judicial autonomy, respecting EU legislation and adhering to the Polish constitution.
However, the road to complete reform is strewn with obstacles. Legislative efforts to loosen rigid abortion laws are likely to encounter resistance from the PiS-aligned President, Andrzej Duda. The attempts to replace PiS figures such as Adam Glapinski, central bank head alleged of misusing his authority for the benefit of PiS, are likely to face legal challenges, perhaps even landing in the European Court of Justice – a court PiS had previously insisted held no authority over domestic issues.
There remains a divide among the Polish population regarding the progress made by the new government. A recent survey shows a narrow margin – with 45 percent approving of the government’s performance thus far, while 41 percent disapprove.
Being a well-respected elder statesman of the centre-right European People’s Party, Tusk has significantly contributed to Poland’s repositioning within the EU mainstream and its leadership. He has also revitalised the EU’s aid for Ukraine. Despite these strides, he still anticipates a challenge in preventing a resurgence of PiS in the upcoming local elections in April and the European Parliament elections in June. However, it appears the momentum is in Tusk’s favour.