Tusk shifts towards a pro-business narrative
Donald Tusk is engaging with major business representatives, emphasising economic deregulation and innovation. By shifting the focus towards economic growth and enterprise support, the Civic Coalition (KO) candidate aims to appeal to voters who prioritise economic issues in the upcoming presidential elections.
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The Prime Minister invites business to cooperate
On 10 February, at the Warsaw Stock Exchange, Donald Tusk unveiled a new national development plan. Under the slogan “Year of Breakthrough”, he and Finance Minister Andrzej Domański outlined the government's economic strategy, including investment initiatives and deregulation measures. Domański, who is taking on the role of de facto Deputy Prime Minister for economic affairs, will oversee key development projects. Tusk also announced the establishment of an Economic Council, comprising not only business leaders but also scientists.
The development plan is built on six pillars: investment in science, energy transition, advanced technologies, expansion of ports and railways, a dynamic capital market, and stronger cooperation with the business sector. The energy transition strategy includes expanding transmission networks - an investment set to cost PLN 65 billion over the next decade - alongside bolstering domestic energy capacity, increasing support for distributed energy, biogas, heating infrastructure, and energy storage. It also incorporates ongoing projects, such as the construction of nuclear power plants and offshore wind farms.
Additionally, Tusk announced PLN 180 billion for railway modernisation to enhance freight transport efficiency and support port development. Planned investments include new railway lines and container terminals, aiming to shorten transport times and improve logistics efficiency.
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Tusk wants his own Musk
During a meeting with business representatives, the Prime Minister called on InPost CEO Rafa? Brzoska (Poland’s leading parcel locker operator) to spearhead deregulation initiatives. This move positions Brzoska as a Polish counterpart to Elon Musk, whom Donald Trump has tasked with streamlining U.S. administration. Brzoska accepted the challenge, signalling his ambitions for a greater role in public affairs.
On 14 February, Brzoska met with Tusk in a closed-door session attended by key business organisation leaders, including Rafa? Dutkiewicz (President of Employers of Poland), Maciej Witucki (President of the Lewiatan Confederation), Wojciech Kostrzewa (President of the Polish Business Roundtable), and Ma?gorzata Adamkiewicz (Vice-President of the Polish Business Roundtable). Their newly formed “Showdown!” group presented the first set of proposed deregulation measures. Brzoska highlighted that the initiative was launched in collaboration with Poland’s leading business organisations: Employers of Poland, the Lewiatan Confederation, the Polish Business Roundtable, and Corporate Connections. Up to 500 experts, including renowned academics and local government officials, are expected to contribute to the deregulation efforts.
On the same day, Tusk also met with representatives of the scientific community, reinforcing his commitment to integrating researchers into the Prime Minister’s Economic Council. This move underscores his pledge to anchor economic development in scientific investment.
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Investments by global giants
On 13 February, Tusk met with Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Initial reports on the meeting sparked ridicule, as the primary takeaway was Google’s pledge to invest just $5 million over five years to train one million Poles in AI usage. However, the more significant outcome was the signing of a memorandum between the Polish Development Fund (PFR) and Google to advance AI solutions in Polish institutions and businesses. The agreement covers sectors such as energy, healthcare, and cybersecurity. The signatories - Google, PFR, and the National Cloud Operator - have committed to confidentiality, with initial results expected within four months. Google Cloud’s CEO later stated on LinkedIn that “the value of this collaboration will be measured in billions.”
On 17 February, Tusk met with Brad Smith, Vice Chair of Microsoft. By mid-2026, Microsoft plans to invest $700 million in Poland’s cloud services and computing infrastructure - marking the next phase of its collaboration with the country. These high-profile meetings with executives from two leading U.S. tech firms aim to reaffirm Poland’s attractiveness as an investment destination for global companies.
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Media offensive aimed at supporting Trzaskowski
Tusk’s recent economic initiatives are designed to showcase his government’s vision, ambition, and readiness to implement large-scale projects, with a strong emphasis on business development. This media offensive is also intended to bolster the campaign of Rafa? Trzaskowski, whose presidential bid could be hindered by broader government challenges.
According to recent polls, the KO candidate currently holds an average of 36% support, while his main competitor, PiS-backed Karol Nawrocki, stands at 25%. However, support is rising for far-right, pro-free-market Confederation leader S?awomir Mentzen, whose ratings have climbed from 9% to 13% within a week. Tusk’s decision to delegate deregulation efforts to business leaders may resonate with Confederation-leaning voters. KO’s increasing emphasis on border security and opposition to migrant admissions suggests a strategic pivot to the right, targeting voters who prioritise economic liberalism and national sovereignty.
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