In the week that marks the 100th day of President Rafał Nawrocki’s tenure, Poland’s governing coalition, led by Donald Tusk, has confronted escalating friction over presidential vetoes and policy disputes.
Foreign‑Policy and Judicial Disputes
The 100th day of President Rafał Nawrocki’s office passes this week, and it has not been easy for the governing coalition, especially Donald Tusk, whom the current president calls the “worst prime minister since 1989.” This is evident in ongoing disputes over the foreign‑policy vision—including relations with Ukraine and the Donald Trump administration in the U.S.—judiciary reforms, energy (a veto on the wind‑turbine law), and the extent of presidential powers. Issues include embassy appointments (refusal to cooperate with charge d’affaires Bogdan Klichem in Washington), special‑service collaboration, blocking promotions for ABW and SKW officers, and judicial appointments.
Expanding Presidential Veto Power
The new head vetoes laws much more readily than his predecessor Andrzej Duda—already 11 in total—and also floods the Sejm with his own legislative proposals, which the ruling majority finds unappealing.
The president’s recent actions, particularly those from the last few days, have generated significant irritation within the governing coalition. His refusal to promote judges and to nominate special‑service officers shows a willingness to strike at the prime minister and the minister Żurko, while playing with Poland’s security, says Pawel Śliz, head of the Poland 2050 club. Former science minister Dariusz Wieczorek of the Left adds that Nawrocki does not understand the role of the Polish president, who should unite Poles and solve problems, not confront them, and should seek compromises rather than ignite further conflict.
Controversial National‑Park Veto
Presidential vetoes over matters that should not be contentious also irritate coalition politicians, such as the creation of the Lower Oder Valley National Park. The president’s justification cites “blocking the region’s economic development.” This veto was not over a law lying outside the coalition‑opposition dispute, and the president’s confrontational speech during Independence Day shows a lack of willingness to collaborate, says KO club spokeswoman Dorota Łoboda.
Political Forecast Ahead of 2027 Elections
Coalition politicians are not deluding themselves into thinking things will improve, especially with national elections in two years that will decide whether Donald Tusk maintains power or PiS regains it, possibly with Confederation. “If the president defines his role not as head of state but as a right‑wing camp leader, the evidence points to him further heating the situation,” says KO senator Krzysztof Kwiatkowski. The closer the elections, the more emotions will rise, meaning the president will not be head of state but head of one political environment—PiS.
“Unfortunately, the cost we will pay for Trzaskowski’s defeat will be huge, because Nawrocki will stall various changes, and that is already evident,” says another KO parliamentarian. Dariusz Wieczorek and Pawel Śliz believe the president’s confrontational stance will ultimately backfire against him and his political base. They warn that the current government will be shoehorned, denied financial resources, and Poles will live harder, but that the effect will be the opposite; citizens will see that he is not a good president or a president of change, and that governance is impossible, citing the veto of the national‑park proposal that has broad public support.
