The acting chairman of the Civic Platform, Donald Tusk, said in an interview for the Polityka weekly that he would be open to all democratic circles. – I will keep my fingers crossed for Szymon Hołownia and the PSL, I would like them to be as strong as possible – he said. He also talked about four aspects of the political agenda.
In an interview for the “Polityka” weekly, the acting chairman of the Civic Platform, Donald Tusk, was asked about the impact of his return to Poland on the situation of the opposition and about the political tactics for the elections. In this context, he said that he would be open to cooperation with democratic circles.
“I will definitely keep my fingers crossed for Szymon Hołownia and for the PSL. I would like them to be the strongest, really, I have one opponent, one competitor – PiS. I will be open to any form of cooperation, but I also understand and respect the need to build separate trends that they are going in a similar direction. I will not impose myself, I will be open to all democratic environments “- assured Tusk.
Donald TuskPAP / Radek Pietruszka
Tusk: everyone on the opposition side has a role to play
Tusk was further asked what are the necessary conditions to win against PiS. “Everyone on the opposition side has a role to play (…) no one should humiliate anyone, impose himself, everyone should do their job. Ambiguous flirting with PiS and a sharp internal conflict may result in the lack of an effective partner on the left, although I have hope that the story from 2015 will not repeat itself “- said the leader of the PO.
When asked if he was thinking about joint lists, or rather about blocs and coalitions, Tusk replied that “recently Szymon Hołownia has noticed quite humorously that my return does not mean that he will sit on my lap”. “I hereby declare that the place on my lap is reserved for grandchildren and no one else will fit. We are in constant contact with the leaders of democratic groups. I have great confidence in their sense of responsibility and self-preservation. We will choose the optimal election variant together” – stated the former prime minister .
Szymon HołowniaPAP / Wojciech Olkuśnik
Tusk on four aspects of the political program
When asked about the political program, Tusk mentioned four main aspects.
“First – removing PiS from power is a positive, specific and complicated program. It concerns the foundations of a democratic and law-abiding state. Projects to rebuild the constitutional order and repair the courts have already been prepared together with the legal community. Radical reform awaits the public media. PiS will have to be honestly accounted for breaking the law and corruption, and at the same time offer their voters a political peace, “said Tusk.
“Secondly – restoration of financial stability, so that 500+ and generally Poles’ money would not be eaten up by inflation. You cannot build wealth on debt and inflation. Thirdly – Poland of the future. Active attitude to the climate and environmental crisis, a school that is not a victim of the digital revolution, but teaches how to use it wisely, that will give its students the competences of the future. Artificial intelligence, shorter working week, digital and green economy – these are just examples of the directions in which the program work of the democratic opposition should follow “- added the PO leader.
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AND Fourthly – as he said – rebuilding Poland’s international position, that is, return to the EU, new relations with the USA and a new eastern policy.
Tusk on the times of his rule: those were good years for Poland
Tusk also referred to the accusations that the times of his rule were characterized by social insensitivity, resignation from symbolic and historical politics, low salaries and work on the so-called junk contracts. He was asked how he looked today – knowing what happened next – at that seven years?
“However – with satisfaction. Those were good years for Poland, although marked by the Smolensk tragedy and the powerful global financial crisis. And, of course, there were mistakes, as always” – said Tusk.
Borys Budka and Donald TuskPAP / Tomasz Gzell
When asked what these errors were, he pointed out: “Distrust or rather over-caution when it comes to the regulatory role of the state.” “It resulted from the bad experiences of real socialism, aversion to bureaucracy, fascination with freedom and individualism. Also the inability to quickly repair the judiciary. Today I defend the independence of the judiciary with full conviction, but I still remember our failures in the reform process and environmental resistance. It also took a lot more. invest in culture, not only in hard infrastructure. The authors still remember tax decisions and their anger is justified, “said Tusk.
Main photo source: PAP / Radek Pietruszka