Tusk talks tough but PO looks on the run
In a careful, if strongly worded speech to his party, Tusk said: "Poland must break free from its humiliating and shameful governments. I am running so that Poles no longer have to be ashamed of their leaders. We offer courage and wisdom. Poland stands before a major change and awaits responsible leaders."
Tusk's ethical approach will strike a chord with many Polish voters, disenfranchised by many years of corruption scandals and lumbering unemployment at the hands of the ruling leftists. However, it may not be enough, as opinion polls show Tusk well behind right-winger Lech Kaczyński in the presidential race. His economically liberal and socially conservative PO has also been overtaken by Kaczyński's Law and Justice (PiS) party - its probable future ruling partner - ahead of the general election.
The parties are also at odds economically, with PiS' lukewarm approach to adopting the euro and push for a greater state role in the economy in stark contrast to PO tax plans aimed at a speedy eurozone accession.
Kaczyński also beat Tusk to the punch by launching his presidential campaign in late March, before the death of Pope John Paul II a month ago subdued local politics.
"If Tusk's campaign gets off the ground the PO can regain some lost ground, but it's not clear if it can knock the wind out of PiS' sails, even if the [Civic Platform] tilts to the right," said Grzegorz Sygnowski, a sociologist at pollster Ipsos-Demoskop.
PO officials launched a broadside against Kaczyński's economic track record as Mayor of Warsaw, saying Poland needs more than just PIS' 'tough on crime' approach to successfully catch up with western European states.
"The sheriff candidate appears incomplete," PO leader Jan Rokita said of Kaczyński. "He promises order, which is good, but Poland also needs economic freedom and entrepreneurship." (Reuters)
Laurence Mackin
Tusk's ethical approach will strike a chord with many Polish voters, disenfranchised by many years of corruption scandals and lumbering unemployment at the hands of the ruling leftists. However, it may not be enough, as opinion polls show Tusk well behind right-winger Lech Kaczyński in the presidential race. His economically liberal and socially conservative PO has also been overtaken by Kaczyński's Law and Justice (PiS) party - its probable future ruling partner - ahead of the general election.
The parties are also at odds economically, with PiS' lukewarm approach to adopting the euro and push for a greater state role in the economy in stark contrast to PO tax plans aimed at a speedy eurozone accession.
Kaczyński also beat Tusk to the punch by launching his presidential campaign in late March, before the death of Pope John Paul II a month ago subdued local politics.
"If Tusk's campaign gets off the ground the PO can regain some lost ground, but it's not clear if it can knock the wind out of PiS' sails, even if the [Civic Platform] tilts to the right," said Grzegorz Sygnowski, a sociologist at pollster Ipsos-Demoskop.
PO officials launched a broadside against Kaczyński's economic track record as Mayor of Warsaw, saying Poland needs more than just PIS' 'tough on crime' approach to successfully catch up with western European states.
"The sheriff candidate appears incomplete," PO leader Jan Rokita said of Kaczyński. "He promises order, which is good, but Poland also needs economic freedom and entrepreneurship." (Reuters)
Laurence Mackin
