Polish PM proposes parliament to elect president

Under the current rules, the Polish president is elected through a public vote, but Polish PM Donald Tusk has an idea to change that.

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Saturday said the country's president could be elected by parliament and have his powers curbed under proposed constitutional changes.

"The next president of the republic could be elected along new lines by parliament", Tusk told reporters.

Under the current rules, the Polish president is elected through a public vote. The mandate of President Lech Kaczynski comes to an end in late 2010.

The reforms would also strengthen government and "limit the role" of the head of state in a bid to halt "incessant conflicts" between the two, the premier said.

Asked whether he would stand as a candidate for the presidency, Tusk declined to respond.