Kaczynski
Brothers
New Polish Elections Considered By Poland's Losing Party Members
Warsaw, Poland 31 October, 2007 There are widespread rumors that the Poland's President may act to delay formation of a new government headed by the victorious Civic Platform in order to force new Polish elections.
Traditionally, though not required by the Polish Constitution, the President grants the winning party the right to form a new government. But, rumor has it that members of the Prime Minister's losing party, Law And Justice, want the President to appoint Jaroslaw Kaczynski to form the new government.
Kaczynski lacks the necessary votes to succeed at doing that. But by allowing him to go through the process would delay the passage of the budget.
If a budget is not passed within four months of submission, the President is allowed to call new elections. Given that the 2008 budget submission was done near the end of September, Kaczynski being granted the right to form a new government would allow him to delay any action on the budget within the four month time frame. Kaczynski's brother, the President, could then give his brother another chance at the polls by giving calling new elections.
The President has not commented on new elections. Until yesterday the President has even been quite about the results of the past election.
Relations between the President and Tusk started on a sour note with the President complaining that Tusk had insulted him. Tusk, for his part said, "If the president requires my apology to co-operate - I apologize." See Poland's President Not In Public View After Polish Elections
While acknowledging that he will recognize the results of the election, the President said that he sees no reason to congratulate Tusk on his victory.
The Civic Platform is enjoying a post election bounce of high popularity in the election polls. Were elections to be held now, the polls show that the Civic Platform would significantly increase the number of seats it holds in the Parliament.
Commentators are asking whether Kaczynski is willing to gamble on another set of elections. Though he lost, he did get more votes for his party in the last election than the previous. That may stimulate him to try again with the hope that Civic Platform supporters will finally wear down and not turn out this time.
