After PiS' victory at the presidential election run-off in Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for and survived a confidence vote on 11 June 2025. What’s next for the country’s governing coalition, at a critical moment for Europe’s climate, democracy, and security agenda? Roderick Kefferpütz asked Urszula Zielińska, Green Vice-Minister for Climate and Environment, what the result means for the future of the ruling coalition, the Greens’ priorities in the months ahead and Poland’s role in the EU.
1. With the Donald Tusk's government having won the confidence vote following the Presidential election defeat, what does this renewed mandate mean for the Green agenda, especially in areas like climate action and environmental protection?
This renewed mandate gives us the stability to keep focusing on real, local problems caused by climate change. In Poland, one of the biggest challenges is water: we face both floods and droughts. That’s why adaptation is our priority.
To this effect we are currently working on an updated National Climate Adaptation Plan. This work is about protecting lives, reducing risks and creating a safe environment in the face of growing climate crisis.
We have also passed a law requiring all mid-sized and big cities to adopt Urban Adaptation Plans. These plans help local communities get ready for heatwaves, floods and water shortages with practical, step-by-step solutions and actions.
Thanks to this vote of confidence, we can continue work that protect peoples’ lives, health and livelihoods - starting now.
2. How do you see the relationship between the government coalition partners evolving now? Will the Greens have more leverage in pushing for environmental or social justice priorities?
The confidence vote shows that the coalition is stable. We don’t agree on everything, but we share key goals: rule of law and democratic values, orientation towards Europe, the need for clean, affordable energy in a more competitive economy and a healthier, cleaner environment, to name a few.
The Greens will keep pushing for fair and practical solutions, especially for people most affected by climate change and high energy bills. For us, environmental and social goals go hand in hand. And as we come out of a long series of four election campaigns now, from parliamentary, through local, European and now the presidential elections, we hope to focus more on delivery and acceleration of our agenda.
3. Does this renewed mandate give the government more credibility in Brussels? And how will the Greens ensure Poland leads, rather than lags, in shaping Europe’s agenda?
This mandate strengthens Poland’s position internationally, especially in the EU. It helps Poland show that we are a stable and responsible partner.
One key step is preparing Poland’s National Energy and Climate Plan that reaches EU emission goals. The plan shows how we aim to modernise energy, improve efficiency and ensure security - based on what is realistic for Poland.
For the Greens, leadership means being reliable. We want Poland to be known not for blocking progress, but for doing its part. We will strive to deliver that.
The views and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union.
This article first appeared here: eu.boell.org