Poland to submit Saryusz-Wolski for the EC president seat – FT

According to the Financial Times, Polish government, in order to undermine incumbent Donald Tusk candidacy, will propose MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski candidacy for the European Council President seat. “Szydło is calling around,” said one diplomat, who declined to be named as the talks are confidential. Another said the “possibility” of an official nomination being made by Warsaw was being mooted, the Financial Times wrote, explaining that Saryusz-Wolski candidacy has been putting out feelers to other member states regarding the candidacy. This would make the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) campaign to unseat Tusk official, just 10 days before the scheduled vote. PiS leader, Jarosław Kaczyński has been saying in foreign media that he doesn't think Tusk is doing a good job and shouldn't be re-elected. According to the media, he even warned German Chancellor Angela Merkel, that Poland might issue a European arrest warrant for Tusk. The campaign so far has been futile, with all member states, besides Poland supporting Tusk candidacy. But, the new candidacy might get Hungary support, according to the FT. Joseph Muscat, the Maltese prime minister,which currently holds the rotating presidency of EU ministerial council, has asked for any further nominations to be made in time for the upcoming March summit. “There is no other official candidate yet,” said a diplomat close to the Maltese presidency. Saryusz-Wolski, who has been an MEP since 2004, is a member of Tusk’s Civic Platform (PO).