There Will Be No Surrender

Following the presidential elections, the political landscape changed in a way that required the government to make clear decisions and act responsibly. Recent weeks revealed the scale of challenges facing the October 15 Coalition—greater than those before the elections. That’s why Prime Minister Tusk turned to the Sejm to request a vote of confidence.

"Perhaps everyone here, except maybe political newcomers, knows both the taste of victory and the bitterness of defeat. (...) That’s what political life looks like not just for us in this room but for all Poles. I know the taste of victory and the bitterness of defeat, but I do not know the word 'surrender,'" said Donald Tusk before the confidence vote.

The election outcome does not spell an upheaval, but the government now faces 2.5 years of governance under politically challenging conditions.

A Strong Mandate to Govern

The Prime Minister stated that seeking a vote of confidence stemmed from the conviction that the government holds a mandate to govern and take full responsibility for the country. This mandate has three dimensions: social, political, and transformational.

Eighteen months ago, 11 million voters placed their trust in the then-opposition October 15 Coalition—granting them a record-high mandate. A few days ago, that mandate was renewed. "Ten million votes with slightly lower turnout represent a similar capital—trust, though undoubtedly mixed with impatience, disappointment, or anger. Everyone had hoped for faster progress and more successes," said Tusk.

The second dimension is the political mandate, rooted in constitutional and systemic principles. Regardless of concerns about election irregularities, the government respects the results and the Constitution. "Every voter has the sacred right to know that each vote carries equal weight and must be respected by all branches of power," emphasized Tusk.

He called on institutions overseeing the elections to thoroughly investigate any reports of irregularities.

Explaining the third dimension, Tusk reminded the public and parliamentarians of what initially mobilized citizens 18 months ago—issues that the coalition had championed in the campaign. "We promised to chase out evil. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. But that difficulty cannot weaken our resolve or excuse weakness."

The people’s mandate, the Constitution, and Poland’s critical challenges are the three reasons why the government reaffirmed its commitment to full responsibility for the state.

Propaganda Cannot Be More Important Than Truth

Tusk also addressed concerns about whether the presidential election result reflected an evaluation of his government. "We once firmly agreed that in our approach to politics, propaganda must never take precedence over truth, and lies must never be more effective than facts."

He said it is essential that facts be communicated consistently. He contrasted the situation in Poland before October 2023 with today.

Defense, Border Security, and Rational Migration Policy

The government didn’t stop at slogans but took concrete steps to increase military spending, border protection, and national security.

Tusk asked the chamber, “Do you know by how much defense spending has increased?” The answer: by 60% compared to the last year of PiS rule.

On migration, Tusk cited a key figure: in 2025, 50% fewer visas will be issued to nationals from Africa and Asia than previously—a correction following years of abuse under PiS.

He emphasized investments in the Suwałki Gap and East Shield, the largest defensive project to protect Poland from real threats.

Largest Social Transfers Since 1989

Upon taking office, the October 15 Coalition carried out the largest social transfers since the fall of communism. For example, while PiS distributed PLN 16 billion in the first year of the 500+ program, in 2024 the amount reached PLN 62 billion.

These transfers pushed Poland above the EU average in terms of social support as a percentage of GDP.

Tusk also referenced support for nurses, teachers, people with disabilities, and the new widow’s pension, which nearly one million people have applied for.

Return to the First League of European and Global Politics

Tusk declared: "Wherever our ministers go, the message is clear—Poland is back at the top of European and global politics." He praised the mutual defense treaty with France, ongoing talks with the UK, and record-level cooperation with the U.S.

He criticized the previous government’s failure to access PLN 240 billion from the EU Recovery Fund—resources now unblocked.

Poland: A Key Player in Investment

Tusk criticized PiS’s broken promises about mega-projects like CPK and the Izera car factory. “What’s left? A deforested site near Jaworzno.” He noted that PiS nearly signed away CPK to foreign investors, but now Polish companies will lead the project.

Thanks to the current government, better terms were negotiated with Westinghouse-Bechtel for Poland’s first nuclear plant, protecting the Treasury’s interests.

He cited major investments in railways (e.g., PLN 14 billion in Silesia alone), and steps taken to protect Polish farmers, including reestablishing border controls on Ukrainian goods.

The government has also launched a campaign of economic repolonization—ensuring Polish firms benefit from public investments.

Accountability for the Previous Government

Tusk emphasized that there will be no witch hunts, but crimes and abuses will not be swept under the rug. “No abuse, theft, or fraud will go unpunished,” he said.

Highest Economic Growth in the EU

Tusk proudly announced that Poland now has the highest GDP growth in the EU—from 0.2% in 2023 to 3.7% in 2025.

Inflation fell from 18.4% in February 2023 to 4.1%, and real wages grew by 9.7% in 2024—the highest in 25 years. VAT fraud has been halved, from 13.5% to 6.9%.

A New Opening and a Call for National Unity

Tusk announced a government reshuffle in July, not just of people but of structure. A government spokesperson will also be appointed soon to improve communication.

He appealed to the opposition to establish a technical opposition, capable of supporting shared national goals such as security and economic growth.

“No matter who wins or loses elections, we all live in the same country. The half of Poland that didn’t support us still belongs to us.”

He reiterated his commitment to lead the government and build a better Poland. The Sejm granted the vote of confidence with 243 votes in favor, 210 against