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UPDATE: Poland’s conservative leader Jarosław Kaczyński returns to gov't as deputy PM

21.06.2023 12:30
Poland’s conservative leader Jarosław Kaczyński returned to the government in an enhanced role as the sole deputy prime minister following a swearing-in ceremony at the presidential palace in Warsaw on Wednesday.
Jarosław Kaczyński
Jarosław KaczyńskiPAP/Marcin Obara

The reappointment came after senior Cabinet minister Jacek Sasin told public broadcaster Polish Radio on Wednesday morning that Kaczyński was reentering Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s government to "assume an absolutely key role."

Sasin, who is minister for state assets, said in an interview with Polish Radio: “Yesterday evening, I resigned from my role as a deputy prime minister, along with the other deputy prime ministers in the Cabinet. This is because Jarosław Kaczyński is returning to government to become the only deputy prime minister.”

Kaczyński heads Poland’s ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party. His reappointment on Wednesday gives him an enhanced position as the country heads toward a general election this fall, news outlets reported.

President Andrzej Duda (left) and the newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński (right) during the swearing-in ceremony in Warsaw on Wednesday. President Andrzej Duda (left) and the newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński (right) during the swearing-in ceremony in Warsaw on Wednesday. Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

The move follows reports that Kaczyński was considering reentering the government to put a stop to political infighting within the governing coalition and bolster the ruling conservatives’ election campaign.

Jarosław Kaczyński takes charge as Poland's new deputy prime minister. Jarosław Kaczyński takes charge as Poland's new deputy prime minister. Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

Kaczyński previously served in Morawiecki’s Cabinet as deputy prime minister in charge of security from October 2020 to June 2022.

Sasin told Polish Radio on Wednesday: “This time, the role of Chairman Jarosław Kaczyński will be totally different than during his previous tenure. Previously, his main mission was to strengthen Poland’s national defence by preparing and piloting the enactment of the homeland defence law. This time Jarosław Kaczyński will coordinate all of the government’s work."

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info