Poland’s new leader is hellbent on restoring democracy – even if it means war with his populist rivals
CNN
When Donald Tusk first won power in Poland in 2007, its media described his approach toward rivals as the “politics of love.” Things are very different now.
When Donald Tusk first won power in Poland in 2007, the country’s media coined a tender moniker to describe his approach towards his political rivals: the “politics of love.” His second stint as the country’s prime minister is proving far less amorous. The returning veteran of Polish centrism, who formed a coalition government after an impressive election result last year, has surprised critics and even many supporters with a confrontational approach towards Law and Justice (PiS), the populist group he defeated. “His attitude (in 2007) was extremely conciliatory towards the defeated enemy. I think he later regretted that,” said Jacek Kucharczyk, the president of the Warsaw-based Institute of Public Affairs think tank. This time, Tusk has moved “as quickly and decisively as possible” in tackling the gargantuan task of undoing PiS’ illiberal and far-reaching changes to the Polish state – an agenda he and his supporters say will restore Poland’s democratic institutions. “He wanted to do the most difficult – politically, legally – things first, in order to clean the slate,” Kucharczyk said.
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