US ties key for new Polish leader

THE election of conservative Lech Kaczynski as Poland’s president on Sunday has sealed a shift to the right with the rise of tough-talking leaders who pledge to protect the country’s interests.

But while the tone may sharpen toward such as Russia and Germany, the new Polish leadership will keep its long-standing commitment to the European Union and NATO membership and to its close friendship with the US.

Mr Kaczynski, who won a run-off election Sunday, stressed during his campaign that as president he wants to make his first foreign visit to Washington, underscoring the priority he places on the trans-Atlantic friendship.

Mr Kaczynski, of the socially conservative Law and Justice party, beat pro-business lawmaker Donald Tusk in Sunday's presidential run-off with 54% to 46%, according to final results.

Law and Justice, led by Lech's twin brother, Jaroslaw, also won the Sept. 25 parliamentary elections, and has put forward Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz as prime minister-designate.