Donald Tusk (born April 22, 1957 in Gdansk) is a Polish politician and historian, currently the Prime. Minister of the Republic of Poland is a co-founder of the Centrist Civic Platform. Party, he held the post of Prime Minister already in 2007-2014, and in December 2023 returned to this function .
Highlights
– Full name: Donald Franciszek Tusk
– date and place of birth: April 22, 1957, Gdansk
– Age: 68 years
old- political party: Civic Platform (po), European People’s Party (EPP)
– Polish Prime Minister: 2007-2014, again from 2023
– previous function: President of the European Council (2014-2019)
Early years and political journey
Donald Tusk grew up in a Kashubian family with working-class roots in Gdansk. He studied history at the University of Gdansk. In the 1980s, he participated in the activities of the anti-communist opposition, including the movement “Solidarity”.
After 1989, he co-founded the Liberal Democratic Congress, promoting free market reforms and European integration. In 2001, he was one of the founders of the Civic Platform, which quickly became one of the main political forces in Poland.
First term as Prime Minister (2007-2014)
In 2007, Donald Tusk became Prime Minister, leading Poland during the global financial crisis. At the time, Poland was the only EU country to avoid a recession. The Tusk government implemented infrastructure projects, liberalized the economy, and strengthened Poland’s position in the European Union.
In 2011, he became the first Prime Minister of the Third Republic to win an election, and retained power for a second term.
President of the European Council (2014-2019)
In 2014, he was unanimously elected President of the European Council by EU leaders, succeeding Herman Van Rompuy. He held this position for two terms.
His post came during the migration crisis, the annexation of Crimea and the war in Ukraine, as well as the Brexit negotiations. He was known for his tough defense of the unity of the European Union and his firm stance toward Russia.
Return to Polish politics
In 2021, Donald Tusk returned to national politics as the leader of the Civic Platform, becoming the main rival of the rule of law and justice (PiS). After the October 2023 general election, he formed a coalition government with centrist and left-wing parties.
His current cabinet is focused on:
– restoring the rule of law and the independence of the courts
-normalizing relations with the European Union
– supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression
Social status
In 2024, Donald Tusk is among the most recognizable and relatively highly regarded politicians in Poland. For some, he is a symbol of pro-European course and stability, for others-a figure that causes strong emotions and political disputes.