Pres. Duda downplays uneasy relationship with PM Kopacz
PR dla Zagranicy
Jo Harper
27.08.2015 11:51
Newly inaugurated Polish president, Andrzej Duda, has commented on recent apparent tensions in his relationship with the prime minister and her government.
Andrzej Duda. Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell
“Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz is conducting her election campaign, and I am running Polish affairs,” Duda told public television TVP.
Duda was responding to an appeal made by Kopacz for Duda to convene the Cabinet Council and the National Security Council on the situation in Ukraine.
In the three weeks since his inauguration Duda has yet to meet Kopacz in an official capacity and policy lines - in particular foreign policy - seem already to have become the subject of political rivalry between the presidency and the government.
"The National Security Council will be called when I find it appropriate as president," Duda said, adding that he expects information from the government on what is happening in Ukraine, before "making any decisions."
"I have met already with two ministers who directly deal with matters also under the responsibility of the president - the defence minister and foreign affairs minister. I had good conversations with these ministers - I think - and therefore as for as cooperation with the government goes I am open," he said. (jh/rk)