Poland's Tusk coalition faces cabinet reshuffle and Zelensky award controversy

Internal tensions are rising in the Polish coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Sources say a major overhaul of the cabinet is being planned, with discussions extending beyond minor adjustments. The health ministry, headed by Jolanta Sobierańska‑Grenda, is under particular pressure, and her possible replacement is being debated as part of the broader reshuffle.

At the same time, President of the National Security Centre Karol Nawrocki’s decision to strip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the White Eagle Order has sparked controversy. The move was announced shortly before a Gdańsk‑based international conference on Ukraine’s reconstruction, leading coalition members to suggest it was intended to create diplomatic tension and divert media attention from domestic issues such as the Southern Warsaw Hospital scandal. Zelensky will not attend the conference; Ukraine will be represented by Prime Minister Julia Swyrydenko. The timing and the need for the prime minister’s counter‑signature have fueled speculation about political motives within the Tusk government.