Tusk: expect new government on Dec. 11 or 12

Parliament speaker Szymon Hołownia on Friday met with Civic Coalition leader Donald Tusk to discuss a so-called second constitutional step in appointing government.

"Mr Speaker has proposed a scenario which would certainly make the effective appointment of the new government easier fior everyone involved. Everyone, including the president and his role in the process," Tusk said at a press briefing after the meeting.

"As you well know, on Dec. 11 we will be hearing prime minister Morawiecki and his proposals for his own government. I'm smiling but please forgive me - you all very well understand the circumstances under which Morawiecki's cabinet operates," he added.

Tusk explained that "if time allows, on Dec. 11 we will also appoint a new prime minister, and if Mateusz Morawiecki fails to win a vote of confidence, as expected".

"Expect a new government on Dec. 11, and if there isn't enough time, on Dec. 12. Expose on Dec. 12, whereas appointment of the government on Dec. 13, like the president has suggested."

President Andrzej Duda was asked at a press conference on Friday when he was expecting to appoint Donald Tusk's cabinet. "I won't be dragging it out or delaying it," he replied.

"First of all, there exist relevant constitutional dates for that," he said, adding he had not delayed the procedure while appointing Mateusz Morawiecki, a leader of the election winning party, as prime minister.

He also noted that he could have done it a few days later. "I didn't drag it out, just like I had promised."

"I shall do it calmly, in line with the binding parliamentary, electoral and political custom. In line with our constitution," the president said.

"Also in line with certain arrangements we've made as part of our commitments and international policy. I assure you that everything will be done in line with constitutional norms and dates," he added.