PM defends transport minister over no confidence vote

Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaking at a press conference in Warsaw: photo - PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Tusk claimed that Nowak “worked like an ox” while overseeing road construction projects in the lead-up to Poland's co-hosting of the Euro 2012 tournament.

He added that if he had had any doubts about the minister's aptitude, he would have acted already.

“Ministers have to have very tough skin. If they are weak, I won't wait until a vote of no confidence,” he said, as quoted by Polish Radio.

The application for a vote of no confidence was filed by minority conservative party United Poland, and it has been backed by left-wing MPs from the Democratic Left Alliance and Palikot's Movement. Conservative party Law and Justice is also expected to vote against Nowak.

United Poland prepared the application after the European Commission blocked 3.5 billion zloty (837.7 million euro) of funding for Polish roads, amid allegations concerning a price-fixing cartel.

The funds were freed up last week. Nevertheless, this occurred after United Poland gave Nowak a three-point ultimatum.

The party called on him to implement anti-corruption procedures concerning road construction, as “Poland does not deserve to be the laughing stock of Europe.” Likewise, United Poland demanded that the government would reduce the wages of board members of Polish State Railways (PKP), and reimburse subcontractors who lost money in construction projects, owing to bankruptcies of general contractors.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centre-right coalition government still maintains a majority in the lower house of parliament, to reject a vote of no confidence, provided MPs close ranks. (nh)