After the October elections, a coalition government is now in power in Poland. Contrary to the previous leaders, the new government will promote a better relationship with the EU. For example, closer collaboration on environmental issues, such as the designation of Natura 2000 areas, renewable energy sources and water management initiatives, can be expected.
Following the victory of the Civic Platform Party (PO), its leader Donald Tusk, Poland’s new Prime Minister, formed a coalition government with the Peasants Party Alliance, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak.
The new government is eager to start reversing the damage done by the hostile politics of the Kaczynski brothers. According to the Economist, this is not going to be easy: lack of co-operation between the President, Lech Kaczynski, who avenges his brother’s election loss by continuously promoting his own style of domestic and foreign relations, may prove to be the most challenging obstacle to implement change for Donald Tusk and his allies. Nevertheless, this does not change the fact that the politics of the new government in Poland mark a new era.
Tusk addresses need for environment protection
During his three-hour Senate exposé on 23 November, Tusk promoted a collaborative relationship with the European Union (EU) on environmental issues. He addressed the need for nature protection through the designation of Natura 2000 areas, which he claimed should not be an area of conflict between Poland and the EU. According to the daily Gazeta Wyborcza, Tusk would like to create balance between environmental protection and development of infrastructure, the latter being a major priority during his term. Tusk added that total cost of environmental protection measures account for only 7 per cent of all investments, an amount which he plans to increase using available funding from the EU.
Donald Tusk was vague on his plans on using coal resources and his stance on nuclear power expansion in Poland. Whether he will support the construction of a nuclear power plant in Lithuania was also unclear. Nevertheless, Tusk presented a plateful of projects, many of which will focus on waste management, including sewage treatment, promotion of renewable resources and energy efficiency. Finally, Tusk recognized the slow implementation of the Water Management Strategy, especially regarding protection of water resources, socio-economic usage of water, and flood and drought prevention mechanisms.
Coalition focus on economic freedom
The coalition government’s declaration on the main areas of their collaboration focuses on economic development, strengthening of international relations, expansion of highways and roads, lower taxes, feasible and simpler regulations, and limiting bureaucracy and the costs of administration. According to Gazeta Wyborcza, the government emphasizes economic freedom which includes a four-year privatization plan, along with decentralization of district government structures. The coalition also aims to promote social solidarity, trust and independence for Polish citizens. Changes will be administered through cooperation and dialogue. The issue of environmental protection is not mentioned in the formal declaration, even though it was addressed in Tusk’s speech to the Senate. This may be a cause for concern, as future action on environmental protection issues may turn out to be less of a priority.
Ministry of Maritime Economy and Fisheries disbanded
The heavily debated Ministry of Maritime Economy and Fisheries, which was recently set up by the former government, has now been disbanded. Maritime policy will now be handled within the Ministry of Infrastructure, led by Minister Cezary Grabarczyk, and fisheries issues will be managed under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, headed by Minister Marek Sawicki.
Last week, Donald Tusk suggested withdrawing the case on this year’s cod fishing ban from the European Court, an action which may aid in rebuilding EU relations. This week, Minister Sawicki will meet the EU Fisheries Commissioner, Joe Borg, to discuss the situation of the Polish cod fishery, as well as viable solutions.