Polish president accepts resignation of EU-bound PM

(WARSAW) - Poland's president on Thursday accepted the government's resignation after outgoing prime minister Donald Tusk was tapped to take over as the European Council head in December.

Tusk tendered his resignation on Tuesday after seven years in power and is expected to be replaced by staunch ally and Parliamentary Speaker Ewa Kopacz.

Kopacz, a 57-year-old paediatrician turned politician, is being put forward by the governing coalition comprising Tusk's centre-right Civic Platform (PO) and the agrarian Polish People's Party (PSL).

President Bronislaw Komorowski has already come out in her favour, while parliament is also likely to give her the go-ahead given the extent of her backing there.

Kopacz is known for her loyalty to Tusk but is seen as lacking real political clout and a clearly defined vision.

Once her candidature is approved, Kopacz will have two weeks to form a new government and put it to a vote in parliament.

Several key postings, including that of the defence and foreign ministers, are likely to remain unchanged, according to local media.