Polish Prime Minister resigns to take up presidency of the European Council

On September 9, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk submitted his resignation to the country's President, paving the way for him to assume the position of President of the European Council next December.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk (Photo: Reuters)

Polish television quoted Mr. Tusk as saying after meeting President Bronislaw Komorowski: "I have submitted my resignation." President Komorowski is expected to officially accept Mr. Tusk's resignation on September 11 and invite Parliament Speaker Ewa Kopacz, 57, the ruling party's candidate for Prime Minister, to discuss forming a new government.

According to the Polish Constitution, the President nominates the Prime Minister. The nominated Prime Minister will form a new cabinet and this cabinet will have to undergo a vote of confidence in the Parliament.

The European Union's selection of Mr. Tusk to succeed European Council President Herman Van Rompuy is considered by Polish public opinion not only as a support for Mr. Tusk but also as a sign that Poland's economy and politics are playing an increasingly important role in this union. Mr. Tusk is highly appreciated for leading the Polish economy through the global financial crisis and becoming the only member state in the EU to maintain economic growth./.

According to QĐND