Ewa Kopacz steps down as Prime Minister

President Andrzej Duda inaugurated the first session of the new Sejm, the lower chamber of the Polish parliament, which was elected in October's general election. “Elections are the most important element of democracy, extensive participation in elections strengthens democracy,” the President addressed the Sejm. "Democracy has shown its strength and its essence and for me as the President this is a joy. In every democratic country, the power is changing. The fact that these elections have brought such a robust change on the political scene is also a testament to democracy," Duda added. Following the address, new MPs swore an oath, after which, Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz stepped down from office. "It was a great honor to serve as Prime Minister," Kopacz said in her speech. "I respect the results of the election and I would like to wish the new government well in doing everything better than Civic Platform (PO) did. But it won't be an easy task," she said. The outgoing Prime Minister warned against destroying the pillars of democracy. "If you destroy what Poles have been building for the last 25 years, we will do everything we can to stop you." Ewa Kopacz ended her address saying, that she "will say something that should be a warning to PiS and consolation for million of Poles - every authority fades away."