“Trust has always been a key word for me and the principle of my rule,” the prime minister told reporters at a much anticipated press conference.   

He said that the resignations were necessary to gain back the trust of voters. But he maintained support for the out going ministers. “Czuma, Szejnfeld and Schetyna have been let go in the name of chastity of principles, to defend the good name of the government and Civic Platform - not because they are guilty," said the PM.

Tusk then rounded on the opposition party and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) which he says has been hounding ministers in a political and not law enforcement role. CBA is the unit that has accused the Civic Platform politicians of corruption.

“Law and Justice [the main opposition party in Poland] wants to attack the government and Civic Platform, using the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau. The final political battle between us will take place in parliament in full view of the public," Tusk said.

Tusk supported the idea to set up an investigation commission on the Black Jack gate. “Mariusz Kaminski has set a political trap….I have no doubts that Kaminski had bad intentions.” 

Taking a gamble

Today's resignations follow allegations that ministers met with representatives of the gambling industry this summer and later lobbied for a proposed tax hike on betting tax – worth around 100 million euros to the state coffers – to be scrapped. The extra tax had been earmarked for preparations for the Euro 2012 football championship to be held in Poland and Ukraine.

This is the first major scandal to hit the government led by Donald Tusk since it took power in late 2007.  Opinion polls show that support for the government - and Civic Platform, the party which leads the coalition -  has fell by six percent since the scandal broke last week.

Tusk also announced today that Slawomir Nowak, head of cabinet, Paul Graś, government spokesman and Rafal Grupiński, advisor to Tusk will also be involved in a wide ranging reshuffle of government posts. (pg/mg)

After the Prime Minister’s press conference ended Polish Radio External Service spoke to Marcin Sobczyk, Warsaw Bureau Chief at Dow Jones Newswires. Click on the link to listen to the comment.