Poland’s pro-European coalition holds the authority to govern, Prime Minister Donald Tusk told lawmakers on Wednesday before a confidence vote he initiated to restore momentum for his cabinet following a setback in the presidential election.

Rafal Trzaskowski, representing Tusk’s Civic Coalition, was defeated by nationalist Karol Nawrocki in the 1 June election. This loss triggered criticism from smaller coalition partners and raised concerns about the government’s stability, especially with a hostile president who has veto power.

Although the ruling coalition’s majority makes Wednesday’s confidence vote almost certain to pass, a SW Research poll for Rzeczpospolita daily revealed that about one-third of Poles believe Tusk’s government will not last until the end of its term in 2027.

“We have a mandate to take full responsibility for what's going on in Poland. Governing Poland is a privilege,” Tusk stated.

Since taking office in October 2023 from the nationalist Law and Justice party (PiS), Tusk highlighted increased defence spending and a reduction in visa issuance for migrants as key accomplishments of his government.

However, analysts note that many voters are disappointed by the government’s inability to fulfil promises such as liberalising abortion laws, reforming the judiciary, and raising the tax-free income threshold.

Furthermore, critics argue that since taking office in December 2023, Tusk’s government has made insufficient progress in implementing reforms, often delaying initiatives in the hope of electing a more supportive president.

Amid this backdrop, and with growing doubts about his leadership coming from smaller coalition partners and usually supportive media, Tusk decided to call for the confidence vote, Reuters reports.

“This vote of confidence is not an attempt to continue everything we have been doing because we know well after this year and a half that some things can be done better, faster and this vote of confidence should be a new beginning,” he said during a government meeting.

“I would like you to know that for the entire... coalition, this is to be a day of new momentum and I am convinced that you will live up to this task.”

Following the confidence vote, Tusk announced plans for a government reshuffle, expected to take place in July. At the same time, officials within the administration have indicated that the coalition agreement will need to be renegotiated, a process that could potentially spark tensions.