Speaking on broadcaster TVP Info on Tuesday evening, Tusk reflected on the first-round results, saying the political situation ahead of the June 1 runoff is “not so simple.”
The prime minister acknowledged that while many voters supported Trzaskowski "as a symbol of change," others were disillusioned by certain decisions made by his ruling Civic Coalition.
“We’ll fight hard,” Tusk said. “I don’t like the whining from those who know what’s at stake but quickly lose the will to fight.”
He added that Trzaskowski, who led in the first round, "must now do everything possible to repeat his success in the runoff."
Tusk urged voters to give his government the mandate to finish what he called a vital transformation process begun after the October 15, 2023 parliamentary elections.
He warned that Poland is at a critical juncture, citing the war in Ukraine, growing migration pressures and a broader crisis across Western democracies.
“We’ve started something important together under difficult conditions,” he said. “Let us finish it.”
Poland needs strong leadership, not division, says Tusk
The prime minister said Poland needs strong and stable leadership in a time of international uncertainty, dismissing suggestions that this would lead to unchecked power.
He argued instead that effective governance is essential to navigating the challenges ahead.
He also expressed confidence in Trzaskowski’s ability to serve as a unifying president, saying he would avoid domestic political conflict.
In contrast, Tusk described Nawrocki, the opposition candidate, as a political tool of conservative leader Jarosław Kaczyński and a candidate whose election would deepen national divisions.
Aid for Ukrainians, safeguarding public funds
Tusk also addressed concerns over generous child benefits paid to Ukrainians living in Poland.
He said that the policy was originally proposed by Trzaskowski and would continue to apply to those working legally in the country.
He added, however, that while the government supports Ukrainians who contribute to the Polish economy, it would not tolerate abuse.
“We will not allow misuse of Polish taxpayers' money by those trying to cheat the system,” he told TVP Info.
(mp/gs)
Source: IAR/TVP Info
Click on the audio player above for a report by Michał Owczarek
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