On Thursday, president Andrzej Duda hosted the WNET Radio, where he referred, among others, to the anticipation of taking the position of Prime Minister after the end of his word of office. The president pointed out that if there was a request and a appropriate function to play after his office was completed, very seriously consider this possibility.
We will see what the political and social situation will be like. I have always seen my activities as serving the state. I stay in office until the last day – he said. He besides added that if there is simply a request for his engagement in another function that is fitting for the erstwhile president, it does not preclude him from taking it.
Better Prime Minister than Marshal of the Sejm
Referring to a akin situation from the past, Duda recalled that after the end of his second word Aleksander Kwasniewski was proposed by Lewica as a candidate for Prime Minister. Although this formation yet failed in the 2007 election and the candidacy was not implemented, he noted – No 1 at the time questioned whether specified a function would be acceptable to the erstwhile president, who had late completed his mission.
Mr Duda stressed that the Prime Minister's office was the most crucial executive function in the country. He pointed out that it was the Prime Minister who had the widest scope of duties and competences from all offices in the state structures. At the same time, he noted that it would be harder for him to apply for the position of Marshal of the Sejm, as he would first gotta win a parliamentary mandate. This would affect taking part in parliamentary elections in 1 of the districts, which would mean participating in the local election run and competing on the organization list. For the erstwhile President, who obtained a mandate with national support, participation in an electoral run in a single territory does not seem appropriate – he noted.
Duda steps down after 10 years
Since 2015, Andrzej Duda has served as the president of Poland. His way to office began with the triumph over Bronisław Komorowski, which many observers considered a surprise at the time. He secured his second word in 2020, winning with a minimum advantage with Rafał Trzaskowski. Both votes ended with a very balanced consequence – 51.55% and 51.03% respectively – which only confirms how divided the Polish society is.
