President Lech Kaczyński officially appointed Donald Tusk (Civic Platform) for the position of Polish prime minister on Friday morning.

"The good of the fatherland and the welfare of its citizens will always be my ultimate imperative.  So help me God”, said Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace after collecting his nomination from the president’s hands.

The same words were repeated by 18 new ministers in his government sworn it today.

The new government has two deputy premiers: Waldemar Pawlak (Peasants’ Party) and Grzegorz Schetyna (Civic Platform).

“I firmly believe that this government will work in peace, harmony and with due care and diligence for the benefit of what is the most important for Poles: their health, salaries and public safety”, the new premiere said after the nominations.  He also asked the president for his support and co-operation.

After the ceremony at the presidential palace, the new cabinet headed for their office to hold their first meeting.  

Deputy PM is Waldemar Pawlak from the junior coalition member, the Polish Peasant’s Party, who will also be chief of the ministry of economy.

The foreign minister is Radek Sikorski, previously defence minister in the previous Law and Justice led government.

Minister of Defence in Donald Tusk’s cabinet is Bogdan Klich and the finance ministry is led by economist Jacek Rostowski.

Justice minister is Zbigniew Cwiakalski.