When history has thrown big surprises at Western democracies over the past decade, it has generally not been to their advantage. However, in the Polish Parliament on Monday, December 11, a wide range of political movements, from the radical left to moderate conservatives, were united in the party. On that day, Poland actually thwarted the fate that promised it a “Turkish scenario” or that of a “second Hungary”, i.e. achievement.
At the heart of this success is one man, Donald Tusk, who takes control of the country after serving as prime minister between 2007 and 2014, before holding the presidency of the European Council (2014-2019) and that of the European People's Party (2019 -2022). With 248 out of 460 votes, the state parliament, the lower house of parliament, restored its confidence. As Mr Tusk formed a heart with his hands as the result was announced, the symbol of the democratic coalition meant to respond to the “hate speech” spread by his opponents, he barely hid his feelings, as his return to the national stage was fraught with pitfalls was, under the incessant fire of PiS's violent propaganda.
After defeating his long-time enemy Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of PiS, he is proving to a Europe worried about the incessant rise of the far right that reactionary populism can be defeated, even under extremely unfavorable conditions for the democratic opposition . Brussels-based website Politico has placed Donald Tusk at the top of its ranking of the “most influential European men” in 2023.
“Fix everything together”
The parliamentary marathon on December 11th did not lack symbols: former president and leader of the Solidarity trade union, Lech Walesa, who was present in the stands and received several standing ovations, was moved to tears when Donald Tusk thanked him for his efforts him from his political calling when they planned a demonstration together in the late 1970s that was banned by the communist regime.
“It's a wonderful day!” “Not for me, but for all who have believed for many years that darkness and evil could be defeated,” Mr. Tusk exclaimed in a brief statement to the Tribune. Thanks to you it became possible. I am indebted to everyone who trusted in this new hope and was not afraid of this historic change. »
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