New defence minister for Poland

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has taken over as Poland's new defence minister after a new Cabinet led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk was sworn into office in Warsaw on Wednesday.

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has taken over as Poland's new defence minister following a change of government in Warsaw.

X/Polish Ministry of Defence

Kosiniak-Kamysz, who leads the rural-based Polish People's Party (PSL), will also serve as a deputy prime minister in Tusk's government, state news agency PAP reported.

Poland's new defence minister said the country "will be strong and independent as long as it espouses three main values."

He mentioned a "sense of national community," a strength "forged through alliances" with partners in the European Union and NATO, and a "strong, well-equipped and well-run army."

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense @KosiniakKamysz: I am proud of the Polish Armed Forces, of all the soldiers, and of all those who serve Poland 🇵🇱. I am certain that together we can rise above all threats. These will be good years for the Polish Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/HOVdcC6WHi

— Poland MOD 🇵🇱 (@Poland_MOD) December 13, 2023

Outgoing defence minister Mariusz Błaszczak told his successor that the previous government's aim of boosting the Polish military to 300,000 soldiers was "thoroughly realistic," the PAP news agency reported. 

On Wednesday morning, President Andrzej Duda swore in the new Polish government during a high-profile ceremony in the presidential palace, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

The swearing-in ceremony came after parliament gave its vote of confidence to Tusk and his team of ministers on Tuesday night.

The new government was formed after a bloc of parties led by Tusk's liberal Civic Coalition (KO) stormed to power with a strong showing in Poland's October 15 parliamentary elections.

(pm/gs)

Source: PAP, Polsat News