Warsaw City President (Mayor) Rafał Trzaskowski will run for government in the Polish presidential election in May 2025. In the primary elections, 74.75 percent of the members of the liberal-conservative Civic Coalition (KO) voted for the 52-year-old as a candidate, as Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski was clearly defeated with 25.25 percent of the vote.
“I have received a very strong mandate,” said Trzaskowski after his coalition victory. This gave him a lot of energy, determination and courage to win the presidential election against the candidate from the right-wing conservative PiS (Law and Justice) party.
The exact date of the presidential election has not yet been determined. The PiS wants to announce who it is sending into the race at a meeting in Krakow on Sunday. Unlike Tusk’s alliance, there are no primaries here; the decision is made by the powerful party leader and former prime minister Jarosław Kaczyński. The incumbent President Andrzej Duda, who comes from the ranks of the PiS, will not be allowed to run again in the next election after two terms in office.
Trzaskowski was narrowly defeated in 2020
Trzaskowski has been mayor of Warsaw since 2018. Previously, the political scientist, who studied at Oxford and spoke five foreign languages, was a member of the European Parliament. In the last Polish presidential election in 2020, Trzaskowski achieved a respectable success: At that time, incumbent Duda was narrowly defeated in the runoff election.
Trzaskowski advocates for the rights of the LGBT* community and had crucifixes banned in Warsaw offices. This makes him popular among younger and progressive Poles. For Catholic-conservative voters, however, he is a red flag. Skeptics also point out that Trzaskowski has little international experience in politics.
Foreign Minister Sikorski supported Trzaskowski after his clear defeat. “You hit the mark with your idea of the primaries. We mobilized our party with it,” said Sikorski.
Blocked government plans
A victory for Trzaskowski in the election of the head of state next year would be crucial for the government under Tusk. Duda has blocked important government projects. This includes, for example, a withdrawal of the PiS justice reform, which was also criticized in the EU as undemocratic.
How could Trzaskowski’s presidency impact Poland’s relationship with the European Union?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to today’s interview where we discuss the upcoming Polish presidential elections and the significant candidacy of Warsaw City President Rafał Trzaskowski. Joining us is Dr. Anna Kowalska, a political analyst and expert on Central European politics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kowalska.
Dr. Kowalska: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to talk about this important topic.
Editor: First off, let’s dive into Trzaskowski’s recent victory in the Civic Coalition primaries. Securing 74.75 percent of the votes indicates a solid backing from his party. What do you think this means for his campaign moving forward?
Dr. Kowalska: This overwhelming support is incredibly significant. It not only provides Trzaskowski with a strong mandate but also reflects that the Civic Coalition, which combines liberal and conservative elements, is rallying behind a common leader. This can unify the party as they face the challenge of presenting a cohesive front against the right-wing PiS party.
Editor: Absolutely. Trzaskowski himself remarked that he feels energized and determined. Do you think this momentum can carry him through to the general election in May 2025?
Dr. Kowalska: It certainly provides him with a psychological edge. His confidence and the backing of his coalition will enhance his visibility and authority as a candidate. However, the race is still in its early stages, and he will need to maintain this energy and capitalize on any potential missteps by his opponents.
Editor: Speaking of opponents, the PiS party hasn’t announced their candidate yet. How do you see the announcement impacting the political landscape?
Dr. Kowalska: The decision from PiS will be crucial. They have a strong electoral base, and if they nominate a popular figure or someone with a compelling narrative, it could shake up the dynamics significantly. The fact that this process is handled internally without primaries could also mean we may see a surprise candidate, which could disrupt the expected flow of the campaign.
Editor: Trzaskowski has positioned himself against the backdrop of a right-wing government. What are the main issues he needs to address to resonate with voters who might be swayed by PiS’s rhetoric?
Dr. Kowalska: He’ll need to focus on key issues like economic stability, civil rights, healthcare, and the rule of law. PiS has been successful in appealing to nationalist sentiments and social conservatism. Trzaskowski must present clear, tangible policies that counter these while also addressing the concerns of urban voters who may feel overlooked by the conservative government.
Editor: That makes sense. As we approach the election date, what strategies should Trzaskowski prioritize to engage with a diverse electorate?
Dr. Kowalska: He should leverage grassroots campaigning to connect with voters directly. Incorporating technology and social media will be vital to reach younger demographics and urban populations. Additionally, articulating a strong, inclusive vision for Poland that appeals to various societal groups will be crucial. Creating a narrative that contrasts sharply with the status quo under PiS could galvanize voters looking for change.
Editor: Great insights, Dr. Kowalska. In your view, what would it mean for Polish politics if Trzaskowski wins the presidency?
Dr. Kowalska: It would signify a shift towards more liberal policies and a challenge to populist governance in Poland. His presidency could foster greater dialogue within the EU, especially regarding democratic values and civil rights. This could have broader implications for Poland’s international relations and internal governance, potentially recalibrating the national discourse towards a more progressive direction.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kowalska, for your thoughtful analysis. As we approach the elections, it will be interesting to see how the political landscape evolves and how candidates respond to the shifting dynamics. Your expertise has illuminated many facets of this critical moment in Polish politics.
Dr. Kowalska: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this topic. It’s certainly an exciting time for Poland, and I look forward to seeing how events unfold leading up to the 2025 elections.
