Speaking at the European Forum of New Ideas conference, Tusk said: "It’s time to rebuild our national economy. Time to bring the market and capital back into Polish hands. Our mission is to act decisively in the interest of Polish entrepreneurs."
He added that Poland would no longer be a “naive partner” in what he termed a “ruthless contest of self-interest” on global markets.
“Capital has a nationality, the economy has a nationality, and our interests are red and white," he said, referring to Poland’s national colors.
Tusk added that a PLN 53 billion (USD 14 billion) initiative to build the country's first nuclear power plant must directly benefit Polish firms.
"That’s the assignment given to our state entity, Polish Nuclear Power Plants (PEJ),” he said. "Our subcontractors and contractors for this PLN 53 billion project must be Polish."
The prime minister also announced mandatory reporting for state-owned enterprises to show how they favor local capital in investment and procurement.
Tusk told the conference that state-run companies "exist to serve Poland’s national interests,” including energy security, "not necessarily to maximize profits."
While acknowledging controversies surrounding government oversight, he defended the move by citing a need for "resilient local industries" within an increasingly competitive global landscape.
The 13th European Forum of New Ideas taking place in Warsaw this week focuses on the impact of technological, demographic and migration challenges, as well as new employment models.
Participants include government officials from Lithuania and Spain, who have come to the Polish capital to share their labor market perspectives.
The conference ends on Wednesday, with a follow-up scheduled for October 15–17 in the coastal city of Sopot.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, IAR, WNP