Speculation Is Rife On Composition Of Future Cabinet Ahead Of Presidential Consultations

Multiple local media outlets report that leaders of pro-EU opposition parties will today declare their support for Civic Coalition leader Donald Tusk as their candidate for Prime Minister as speculation is rife surrounding the composition of the incoming Cabinet.

• The constituent parties of the emerging coalition have clashed over some specific policy issues in the recent days, albeit their overarching goal of taking power from the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) seems to remain intact. The pro-EU bloc faces an incentive to demonstrate unity, despite underlying differences in policy priorities, in order to facilitate the formation of a coalition government.
• Some initial backdoor talks on political appointments have reportedly already started, but Onet suggests that key negotiations may begin today. Newsweek noted that PSL leader Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz could become Deputy Prime Minister, PL2050's Szymon Holownia could be tapped to become Sejm Speaker, while the Left's Magdalena Biejat could become Senate Speaker - with all still subject to revisions.
• The Civic Coalition will play a decisive role in shaping the next Cabinet. According to Onet, Donald Tusk has invited several of his close aides from his previous stint as Prime Minister to join the new administration, including ex-Regional Development Minister Elzbieta Bienkowska, ex-Interior Minister Bartlomiej Sienkiewicz and ex-Finance Minister Mateusz Szczurek.
• WP reported that besides a leaders' meeting slated for this morning, negotiating teams of all three pro-EU parties are holding backdoor talks on the joint policy agenda and ministerial nominations. The bloc is hoping to forge a common line on all crucial issues as soon as possible in order to amplify pressure on the President to facilitate the handover of power to the new government.