The Polish parliament has granted a mandate to former Prime Minister Donald Tusk to establish a new coalition government. The upcoming administration is scheduled to be inaugurated at the presidential palace by President Andrzei Duda on Wednesday.

This marks the conclusion of the eight-year governance by the right-wing nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, which had frequent conflicts with EU authorities.

Despite winning the most seats in October's elections, Mr. Tusk's centrist coalition faced delays in assuming office.

The PiS, led by Mateusz Morawiecki, emerged as the largest party after the election, but its inability to form a majority in parliament, due to other parties refusing to collaborate, led to Mr. Morawiecki losing a vote of confidence on Monday. This development has paved the way for Mr. Tusk to return to power.

While Mr. Tusk has vowed to undo the impacts of the PiS rule, challenges may arise in fulfilling this promise. Donald Tusk previously served as Poland's prime minister from 2007 to 2014 before later becoming the president of the European Council.

October's elections saw his pro-EU coalition win a majority of seats with a record turnout of more than 70%.

The grouping comprises three parties, Mr Tusk's Civic Coalition (KO), the Third Way, and the Left.

Coalition MPs chanted Mr Tusk's name and sang the national anthem after the vote to designate him as prime minister.

Among those expected to be nominated to the new cabinet is Radoslaw Sikorski, who previously served as foreign minister under Mr Tusk.

Expectations for the new coalition are high. The new government has pledged to restore the independence of the judiciary, which it says has been systematically undermined under previous administrations.

"We are working… on a whole set of measures that will restore the rule of law as much as possible," Mr Tusk said.

He has also pledged to unblock €36bn (£30bn) of EU funds earmarked for Poland, which Brussels has refused to release over rule of law concerns.

A 2020 court decision that banned abortion in almost all cases will also be reversed, he said, while protections for LGBT people will be strengthened.

Mr Duda's decision to nominate Mr Morawiecki to form a government without any hope of winning a vote of confidence indicates that the president, who will be in office until 2025, intends to stymie Mr. Tusk's plans.

To become law, bills approved by parliament need to be signed by Mr Duda, who can veto them. Mr Tusk's coalition does not have enough MPs to override a presidential veto.

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