Inauguration Swearing-in Ceremony 2010
On 6th August 2010 during the National Assembly meeting, the President-elect Bronislaw Komorowski has taken the oath of office formally becoming the President of the Republic of Poland. Starting the swearing-in ceremony with a minute’s silence, the National Assembly commemorated the death of 96 victims of the plane crash near Smolensk.
In his address to the nation, President Bronisław Komorowski emphasised that the ceremony of swearing-in the head of the state marks celebration of Polish statehood and democracy. He stressed that it is great honour and at the same time great obligation. In President’s opinion main challenges that our country is to face include among others strengthening Poland’s position within the European Union and reconciliation with Russia. The pillar of Polish foreign policy will also remain keeping close relations with the United States of America. Moreover, Bronislaw Komorowski emphasised that Poland being NATO member is aware of its obligations as ally and carrying for the collective security we should engage our forces in allied actions. He also ensured that as the Supreme Commander of the Polish Armed Forces he will care and act in the interest of Polish soldiers.
After the swearing-in ceremony, President Bronisław Komorowski accompanied by the First Lady as well as Grzegorz Schetyna - Speaker of the Sejm and Bogdan Borusewicz - Speaker of the Senat laid flowers at the plaque commemorating members of the parliament who died during the II World War. Then, the President met with the Council of Senior Members of both chambers of the Parliament. Among other participants of the meeting were also the Prime Minister Donald Tusk, ministers, former presidents Aleksander Kwasniewski and Lech Walesa as well as former prime minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki.
Following that, President Komorowski went to the Warsaw St. John Cathedral to take part in the inaugurating service concelebrated by Warsaw Metropolitan Bishop Kazimierz Nycz.
Another item on the agenda included the ceremony of handing over to the President the insignia of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Order of the White Eagle in the Royal Castle.
Unexpected moment of Friday inauguration day connected with Bronisław Komorowski formally assuming the presidential office was a short visit in the Presidential Palace and the National Security Bureau.
Afterwards, the Presidential Couple was officially welcomed in the Belweder Palace, which will temporary be the seat of the Polish Head of the State. President Komorowski will officially take over his duties as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces on 15th August on the Polish Army Day.