You're reading: Poland’s prime minister replaces ministers for second term

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland's prime minister on Thursday replaced more than half of his Cabinet for the government's second term, but retained key ministers in charge of the economy and foreign affairs.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with President Bronislaw Komorowski and then announced the composition of the Cabinet, formed of Tusk’s Civic Platform in coalition with junior partner the Polish People’s Party.

Ten among the 19 ministers in the new Cabinet are new, Tusk told a news conference. Among those who will keep their positions are Finance Minister Jacek Rostowski, Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski and economy minister Waldemar Pawlak.

Four ministers are women, including new Sports Minister Joanna Mucha, who will oversee the final stage of preparations for the Euro 2012 football championship that Poland is to co-host with Ukraine.

"This is a potentially strong government," Tusk said, noting the support from voters and the parties’ experience in ruling together.

"The decision of the voters means a consent for the continuation of the main direction," Tusk said.

He acknowledged a need for accelerated action in some areas, which he did not name.

With good economic data and growth this year expected at 4 percent, Poland needs to urgently reorganize its public finance and cut its budget deficit. Transport, infrastructure, health care and the pension system need to be reformed.

On Friday, Tusk is to set out his policy in a speech to the Parliament and ask lawmakers to approve the new Cabinet in a confidence vote, scheduled for the following day.

Tusk’s pro-business Civic Platform last month became the first party to win a second consecutive term since Poland shed communism 22 years ago.