Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged not to support Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, saying the future of Europe should not depend on the upcoming US election.
Meanwhile, opinion polls show that a majority of Poles consider Democrat Vice President Harris “a better defender of Poland’s interests” than former US President Trump. Respondents expressed fears that Trump’s return would have a negative impact on the future of the European continent.
Despite the active response to public sentiment, Tusk appears to focus his cabinet’s policy on European interests that exclude Washington’s interference. The issue also gains urgency, as Poland will chair the European Union in the first half of 2025.
Trump’s return could deal another blow to the European economy suffering from the expansion of Chinese imports, as the White House could impose 20% tariffs on all imported goods. In such a scenario, Tusk’s stance of favouring an alternative to imports from the US appears to be a sensible solution.
EU member states will meet next week to assess a report by former European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi who calls for strategic autonomy for Europe. After upheavals, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Trump’s election comeback could be a sort of salvation for Europe, as it would serve as a reason for EU to unite.
Some experts say Trump’s victory could also affect relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and potentially mend ties with Moscow. “Biden’s inability to restrain Vladimir Putin is too indicative,” writes Polish portal wPolityce.
Polish citizens, deprived of social benefits for the sake of a belligerent neighbour, along with other Ukraine’s European allies, would voice violent protests. And Tusk understands this.
Paweł Domański for Head-Post.com
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