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Outgoing Polish president hints he could serve as PM if asked

15.07.2025 07:30
Poland's outgoing President Andrzej Duda has said he is open to serving as prime minister after his term ends, if asked to help form a new coalition government.
Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Polish President Andrzej Duda.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

In an interview published earlier this month by the weekly Gość Niedzielny, Duda said: "If there were a need to serve Poland by taking on new responsibilities, such as holding an official position again, I would certainly accept it."

Duda added: "For example, if there was a need to find a prime minister who could unite a new coalition, and I were offered that role, I wouldn't hesitate."

He denied when asked if he had received any formal or informal offers to take on such a role.

Duda, 53, whose second and final term as president ends next month, ruled out running in future parliamentary elections.

"Participating in parliamentary elections is out of the question," he declared in the interview.

He told Gość Niedzielny that he had not received any offers from international institutions, voicing the view that "the global political climate does not favour conservative politicians" in such roles.

"At least for now, the political atmosphere in the world is not conducive to conservatives holding positions in major international organizations," Duda said.

He suggested that could change in the coming years and added that he would approach any future opportunity in a way that brings "the greatest possible benefit to Poland."

Duda became president in 2015 and was re-elected for a second five-year term in 2020. He was barred from seeking a third term in this year's election under Poland's constitution.

Fellow conservative Karol Nawrocki is set to be sworn in as Poland's next president to succeed Duda on August 6.

(gs)

Source: IAR/PAP