In the aftermath of the recent Polish elections, the country appears to be repositioning itself closer to the European Union, according to comments from Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn and Tom Krieps, former Honorary Consul for Poland in Luxembourg.
It's official: the opposition parties, led by Donald Tusk, are set to form the new government in Poland. This outcome marks a significant reorientation toward the European Union, coupled with a clear majority in the parliament. While many welcome the end of the Kaczyński government, Jean Asselborn notes the continued influence of President Duda, who is aligned with the current government, even if there is little chance of him opposing the will of the voters.
Asselborn points out that the election results underscore the importance of aligning with EU values, namely the rule of law and democracy. Poland's previous government had restricted the independence of its judiciary, prompting the EU to withhold billions in funding as a response. Asselborn expresses the hope that the new government will move swiftly to rectify these issues.
According to Asselborn, Poland's return towards EU values under a Tusk government could have a positive ripple effect on Eastern European nations, as Poland has served as an inspiration for many countries in the region.
For Tom Krieps, the substantial voter turnout in Poland signals a strong desire for change. Notably, young people in Poland and abroad showed strong participation in the elections, and even in Luxembourg, there was a significant turnout.
As a former President of the European Council, Donald Tusk is seen as a valuable asset for Europe in his potential role as the head of the Polish government, according to Krieps, who anticipates the development of national-level politics in Poland with keen interest.
Krieps also acknowledges Tusk's ability to garner support from new left-wing forces in the country, such as the socialists, in addition to the agrarian party. "It's an exciting alliance," the former consul thinks.
The next elections in Hungary are scheduled for spring 2026. Perhaps the political climate in Hungary may also shift towards closer alignment with Western Europe by that time.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
