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Poland’s Sikorski confirmed as parliament speaker

By WTOP Staff

WARSAW (AP) — Poland’s former foreign minister, Radek Sikorski, has been confirmed as the country’s new speaker of parliament.

With his move Sikorski loses a position with international prominence, but gains one with significant influence over domestic affairs. The speaker helps forge coalitions and negotiate policy compromises.

Sikorski lost his job as foreign minister after a government reshuffle prompted by Prime Minister Donald Tusk being chosen to head the European Council.

Lawmakers voted 233-143 Wednesday to confirm Sikorski as speaker. He represents the governing center-right Civic Platform party.

Sikorski has played a major role supporting Ukraine’s pro-Western reforms and closer integration with the European Union. He was replaced by Grzegorz Schetyna, a former interior minister and most recently head of the parliamentary commission for foreign affairs.

The former parliament speaker, Ewa Kopacz, was sworn in Monday as the new prime minister. Her government still faces a confidence vote on Oct. 1.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

By WTOP Staff
WASHINGTON — Do you know what you'd do if an emergency hits? What if you're at work, your spouse is stuck in traffic and your children are in school? There's no way to plan for every emergency, but you can make sure you're prepared for different scenarios, including making a plan for your family and building a kit of emergency supplies.
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