Rafał Trzaskowski, after winning the primaries against Radosław Sikorski in the Civic Platform, is likely to become a recognizable and highly promoted candidate of the Civic Coalition.
However, its weaknesses, which are already known to the right, offer major strategic opportunities. Trzaskowski is a supporter of leftist ideology and is not interested in implementing important pro-development projects in Poland, such as the Central Communication Port or infrastructure investments that strengthen the economy (transport development, conventional energy). It is also associated with avoiding hard work and focusing on image-making gestures, which can be a disadvantage in the eyes of Poles who value consistency and dedication.
Looking at Andrzej Duda’s victories in 2015 and 2020, the PiS candidate should draw inspiration from the characteristics and strategies that have brought success to the current president. Andrzej Duda then showed that the key to winning is authenticity, connection with citizens and credibility in defending their interests. In 2015, as a young, lesser-known politician, he won the sympathy of Poles thanks to his openness and clear vision of ‘good change’, with an emphasis on the family, economic development and historical values. In 2020, despite strong competition, Duda refocused on Poland’s real needs, such as support for families, protection of jobs and defense of Polish sovereignty, which allowed him to win despite difficult circumstances.
The new PiS candidate should follow a similar strategy. It should be a person close to ordinary people – parents, families, seniors, farmers, entrepreneurs and among others. historical, patriotic or religious groups. It will be crucial to reach these communities with the message of defending their fundamental rights and values, such as the opportunity to raise children according to conscience, stable heating prices or the availability of investments in local communities.
At the same time, it should be remembered that the Civic Platform under the Trzaskowski government has already shown its face in Warsaw, where development investments gave way to image politics and the real problems of residents were often marginalized. The PiS candidate must therefore emphasize that he represents people, not elites, and that his mission is to defend Poland against irresponsible decisions that could lead to destabilization and ideological experimentation.
If the campaign is conducted consistently, based on the values that brought Andrzej Duda’s success, the new PiS candidate can gain widespread support and repeat his victory. It will be important not only to avoid excessive confrontations, but to focus on the story of protecting ordinary Poles from the ideological and economic attempts of those currently in power, who, with their own man as president, will finally introduce things they talk about. more or less official, and which affect many of our people economically and ideologically.
Krzysztof Bieńkowski, PiS senator
Source: wPolityce