Polish PM supports candidate for EU head in letter

In the letter, whose contents were reported by the RMF FM station, Szydło explained why Poland will not support Tusk – a former prime minister of Poland – for a second term.

The letter also praised the Polish government's candidate, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, while adding that the European Union is in a state of crisis, RMF FM said.

"Szydło explains the government's lack of support as resulting from [Tusk] having overstepped his European powers and used his authority as the head of the European Council to intervene in national disputes,” RMF FM said.

Szydło wrote that Tusk “did not show neutrality and impartiality” during his term in office, adding that these factors “should be the overriding features of this international position”.

Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, said in January that Poland should not support Tusk's bid for the post. “He is in favour of solutions that are extremely harmful to Poland,” Kaczyński said.

He added that Tusk was in favour of financial penalties for European Union member states that do not accept a quota of refugees, which the Polish government strongly opposes.

“We simply cannot support such a person,” he added.

Tusk’s 30-month term as the President of the European Council is due to end on 31 May.

The term of office of the European Council President runs from 1 June 2017 until 30 November 2019.

(rg)