Tusk Returns as Polish PM, Faces Challenges Improving EU Ties and Governing Fractious Coalition
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Donald Tusk is set to return as Polish Prime Minister, bringing hopes he can improve Poland's relations with the EU after 8 years of populist rule that strained ties.
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However, Tusk will face significant domestic challenges managing a fractious coalition and opposition from the formerly ruling nationalist PiS party.
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Many in Brussels hope Tusk can help realign Poland with the EU mainstream, but he may have limited room to maneuver on some issues.
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Tusk pledges to meet EU rule-of-law requirements to unblock frozen recovery funds, but could hit roadblocks from the PiS-aligned President.
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While Tusk's return signals a change in style and rhetoric, analysts say substantial Polish policies on national interests may see more continuity than change.