Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says he does not plan on replacing European Commission (EC) president Jose Manuel Barroso despite speculation.\n<\/p>\n
“I decided that I want to remain Polish prime minister and that until 2015 I will engage only in domestic issues,” Tusk said on national television on Monday, adding that he planned on leading his Civic Platform party to victory in 2015 parliamentary elections.\n<\/p>\n
The announcement comes as many EU officials had seen the Polish premier as a leading candidate to replace the EC president because of pro-European credentials. Barroso\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s term will come to an end in 2014.\n<\/p>\n
“I’m aware that some opportunity has appeared, but when I weigh what’s important for me as a man, I will not experience any greater honor, satisfaction, than that of the role of prime minister. To be a Polish premier is 100 times more important for me than any European promotion,” the Polish prime minister added. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
However, analysts say Tusk may seek a position in the EC after the next elections. <\/p>\n
During a radio interview last week, Tusk said he would be a \u00c5\u201cgood candidate\u201d for EC president, but said that he would announce plans to seek the position later in the summer.\n<\/p>\n
In Poland, speculations regarding Tusk\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s departure to Brussels had led several leading political figures to eye his position.\n<\/p>\n
Under financial pressure, the prime minister\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s popularity has slumped over the past year.\n<\/p>\n
Opinion polls suggest that his party has been overtaken by the conservative opposition Law and Justice Party.\n<\/p>\n
Europe plunged into financial crisis in early 2008 and most European governments have taken tough austerity measures to contain their debt crises.\n<\/p>\n
SZH\/HN<\/p>\n