Tusk proposes closed-door talks with Nawrocki over Constitutional Tribunal crisis

Prime Minister's initiative following NSC meeting

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his desire to speak personally with President Karol Nawrocki to defuse the conflict that has arisen around the Constitutional Tribunal. According to reports, such a meeting could take place as early as this week. The head of government's intentions became known after the conclusion of the National Security Council meeting, where he proposed a face-to-face negotiation format aimed at finding a lasting resolution to the tension between the branches of power.

«Я готовий цього тижня провести зустріч віч-на-віч, щоб ми могли обговорити, як назавжди зменшити цю напругу» ("I am ready to hold a face-to-face meeting this week so that we can discuss how to permanently reduce this tension"), Tusk emphasised.

Focus on security and lack of publicity

At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that he does not expect to reach a consensus on all contentious issues during the conversation. In his view, despite existing disagreements, both sides must be aware of their shared responsibility for the situation in the country. Tusk stressed that against the backdrop of growing threats from Russia, it is critically important to find common ground in the areas of security and internal order. He hopes that dialogue will help mitigate the political confrontation.

«Ми обоє відчуваємо спільну відповідальність за те, щоб, з огляду на зростаючу загрозу зі сходу, намагатися знайти, де це можливо, порозуміння щодо безпеки та внутрішнього порядку, а також заспокоїти ці емоції» ("We both feel a shared responsibility to try, in view of the growing threat from the east, to find, where possible, an understanding on security and internal order, and also to calm these emotions"), the head of government added.

Tusk separately emphasised that he does not intend to turn the negotiations into a public political event. Therefore, a specific date for the meeting will not be announced in advance.

«Ми хочемо поговорити віч-на-віч без цього тиску, без політичного хвилювання. Іноді така спокійна розмова віч-на-віч приносить певні рішення» ("We want to talk face-to-face without this pressure, without political agitation. Sometimes such a calm face-to-face conversation brings about certain decisions"), he explained.

Presidential administration's reaction

The presidential administration confirmed receiving the proposal from the government. Karol Nawrocki's spokesperson Rafal Leszkiewicz reminded that the head of state had repeatedly stated his readiness for negotiations at the Prime Minister's request. According to him, the exact date of the meeting will be announced after it is finally agreed upon by the parties.

Minister to the President Marcin Przydacz drew attention to Nawrocki's tight schedule: on Wednesday, he is scheduled to travel to Slovakia for the summit of the heads of state of the Visegrád Group. Przydacz also took the opportunity to criticise the government's actions.

«Сподіваюся, що протягом цього часу прем'єр-міністр не використовуватиме поліцію для захоплення будь-яких конституційних органів держави» ("I hope that during this time the Prime Minister will not use the police to seize any constitutional state bodies"), he added.