Polish minister of funds and regional policy, Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz, explained that a coalition demands ongoing trust, while Donald Tusk said he could see her as deputy premier.
Deputy‑Premier Position
Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz, minister of funds and regional policy, told Rzeczpospolita that “no coalition is ever guaranteed; it must be nurtured.” Asked whether canceling her offer to become deputy premier could lead Poland 2050 to exit the coalition on October 15, she said she could not picture good cooperation if the strongest ally is trusted but the agreement is then broken. “No coalition can work effectively for voters if agreements are not kept,” she added, noting that agreements must be honored. She is deputy chair of Poland 2050.
Oral Coalition Agreement
Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz stated the coalition’s oral agreement stipulated that each party receive a deputy‑premier post, a deal reportedly sealed at the table with Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski’s confirmation. Under that arrangement, the deputy‑premier role had already been assigned to Radosław Sikorski.
She also mentioned that she requested a meeting with Donald Tusk a few days earlier. According to reports from Gazeta Wyborcza, Szymon Hołownia made clear that his resignation from the Sejm marshal chair—planned to allow Włodzimierz Czarzasty to take the position—was contingent on Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz’s appointment as deputy premier.
Donald Tusk on the Deputy Premier Call
On the parliamentary corridor on Friday 17 October, Tusk was asked whether he could imagine Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz as deputy premier. He replied, “Yes, I can imagine it. I have no personal or political problem with it. Sometimes I have concerns about ministers’ work, including Ms. Minister Pełczyńska, when they fail, and that is one issue. I know what is a priority for me and what matters to Poland. However, I want everyone to know that Marshal Hołownia is a responsible man, and the change we promised and agreed upon—two years later—will happen. We will discuss any subsequent promotions or government reshuffles.”
Tusk also referred to the forthcoming shift of the marshal seat to Włodzimierz Czarzasty, a decision he said would be honored later.
Further Information
Read more in the article “Pełczyńska‑Future Deputy Premier? Decisive Voice from KO.”
