Poland's Tusk Promotes Sikorski, Reshuffles Cabinet Amid Coalition Strains

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has initiated a significant cabinet reshuffle aimed at reversing his government's declining approval ratings and strengthening his coalition ahead of the 2027 general election. The reshuffle includes promoting Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski to deputy prime minister while retaining his foreign minister role, and creating a super ministry of finance and economy led by Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski to address Poland's economic challenges, including the second-highest budget deficit in the EU. The changes come amid rising political tensions following nationalist Karol Nawrocki's presidential victory and increasing opposition to Tusk's centrist, pro-European Civic Coalition. Additionally, the justice ministry will be headed by judge Waldemar Zurek to reinforce rule of law standards, which had deteriorated under the previous nationalist government. These moves aim to provide fresh momentum to Tusk's administration and maintain stability in a politically charged environment. The reshuffle also involves new appointments in other key ministries, such as the creation of a new energy ministry led by Milosz Motyka from a junior coalition partner.