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'Boring facts, but facts': Polish PM touts economic gains amid criticism

09.06.2025 07:00
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has highlighted a series of recent economic achievements by his centrist government, in an apparent response to growing criticism of its communication strategy.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.Photo: Gov.pl, CC BY 3.0 PL , via Wikimedia Commons

In a post on X, Tusk cited "record-low unemployment in May," strong economic growth "from zero two years ago to the highest level in Europe today," a drop in inflation from 18 percent to just over 4 percent last month, and a 14-percent increase in real wages.

"Boring facts, but facts," he wrote, following claims that his government failed to effectively promote its accomplishments, allowing the opposition to fill the void with misinformation and political spin ahead of the presidential election.

Critics, including voices within Tusk’s own coalition, have argued that the government's lackluster communication strategy contributed to its defeat in the presidential race, enabling the opposition to dominate the public narrative, particularly on social media.

Opposition-backed candidate Karol Nawrocki, a pro-Trump Eurosceptic, narrowly defeated centrist Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski in the runoff, winning 50.89 percent of the vote to Trzaskowski’s 49.11 percent.

The result was a blow to Tusk’s pro-European coalition, as the Polish president holds veto power over legislation, potentially complicating the government’s reform agenda.

While the president does not govern directly, Nawrocki’s victory is expected to increase political friction in a country already deeply divided.

Tusk acknowledged last week that "some things could have been done better or faster" during the campaign, but declared the coalition’s determination to continue governing.

Lawmakers are set to hold a vote of confidence in his government on Wednesday.

Nawrocki is scheduled to take office on August 6, succeeding outgoing conservative President Andrzej Duda, who was constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP