Tusk romps home in historic win

Poland’s ruling centre-right party has become the first party to be re-elected since the end of communism 22 years ago, after it swept to a convincing victory in parliamentary elections.

Civic Platform, led by prime minister Donald Tusk, romped home with 39 per cent of the vote, more than nine percentage points ahead of its bitter rival, the socially conservative Law and Justice party.

The result was a personal triumph for Mr Tusk, who has been credited with bringing calm and steady leadership to Poland’s often turbulent political environment.

“I would like to thank all those Poles who voted for us, as well as those that didn’t. We will work for everyone, regardless of how you voted,” said Mr Tusk.

Poland was the only EU country to avoid recession in 2009, and has flourished while other European countries have struggled to get into the black.