Advertisement

Polish government survives vote of confidence after scandal

The 237-203 vote came after Tusk asked for a vote of confidence.

By Ed Adamczyk
Poland's Parliament voted to retain the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, despite a scandal involving the secret recording of private conversations. UPI/Jim Hollander/Pool
Poland's Parliament voted to retain the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, despite a scandal involving the secret recording of private conversations. UPI/Jim Hollander/Pool | License Photo

WARSAW , Poland, June 26 (UPI) -- Poland's Parliament voted to retain the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, despite a scandal involving the secret recording of private conversations.

The 237-203 vote came late Wednesday after debate and Tusk's quick call for a vote of confidence. He received the support of the Polish People's Party, a member of the ruling coalition that includes his own Civic Platform Party.

Advertisement

The scandal threatened to unseat Tusk and his center-right government.

A week ago, the news magazine Wprost published transcripts of illegally-recorded audio tapes of politicians, in which Poland's government elite was caught, at upscale Warsaw restaurants, openly scheming, using profane language and disparaging Poland's relationship with the United States. The published release of private conversations embarrassed the administration.

A coal industry businessman was arrested, with his brother-in-law, and charged with making the illegal recordings. Several restaurant personnel were questioned.

Tusk, speaking to Parliament, suggested Russian involvement in the scandal but offered no evidence, saying, "In the background, there are events in Ukraine and in Europe. We are talking about people with strict ties to the energy sector."

Advertisement

Latest Headlines