Freedom and Local Self-Government as the Core of the Upcoming Elections
The upcoming elections are framed around freedom and the right to self-rule. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, leader of the PSL, stressed during a Saturday gathering in Grodzisk Mazowiecki that if anti-self-government forces prevail again, Poland could see a drastic reduction in locally elected authorities. The discussion with residents of Grodzisk Mazowiecki focused on Honest Poland’s legislative proposal and the current socio-economic climate.
During the open meeting, Kosiniak-Kamysz asserted that this year’s elections will go beyond a simple political choice; they will reflect a broader philosophy of governance. He criticized the present government for creating daily turmoil and dismissing the importance of holidays or humor as a sign of a disconnected leadership.
“Unfortunately, we are being cheated every day,” the PSL head stated, emphasizing the need to restore honesty and ground concepts in real value. He argued that many elected leaders offer beautiful but hollow phrases that have been distorted and degraded, contributing to a sense of social dissolution and the breakdown of communities across Poland.
According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s future depends on a nation and society that can grow and develop together. He added that progress rests on a solid foundation rather than fragmentation, insisting that the country must move forward rather than shrink.
He noted that last year marked the lowest birth rate in Poland since the end of World War II, with only about 305,000 births recorded. If 15,000 children born in Poland are counted as non-Polish births, the figure falls below 300,000. The main drivers behind this decline, he argued, are economic pressures such as housing shortages and rising poverty, which are linked to inflation and unemployment—the two factors combined at their highest level in this century.
He pointed to Grodzisk Mazowiecki as an example of effective transport planning. The town offers easy rail access to Warsaw, supported by a ring road and highway improvements. Yet he argued that nationwide railway modernization is essential. He urged better connectivity from village to municipality, ensuring seniors can reach health centers, and criticized grandiose plans like a new airstrip in Baranów as misaligned with practical regional needs. His call was for first building robust local connections and commuting within the wider agglomeration before pursuing grand investments.
Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored the importance of a locally anchored community DNA, rooted in self-government and subsidiarity, while appreciating residents of rural Poland. He reminded listeners that his party has long centered rural and agricultural concerns and that its roots are firmly in local governance.
The PSL leader warned that this election will define freedom in multiple dimensions, with self-government playing a central role. He warned that a victory by anti-local-government forces could channel power from the center to the periphery, undermining Poland’s capacity for local development. In his view, preserving authentic local autonomy is essential to unlocking Poland’s future potential.
The remarks were delivered during a public assembly in Grodzisk Mazowiecki, and the message resonated with many attendees who see local self-rule as a safeguard against centralized overreach and a catalyst for regional prosperity.
Note: The discussion focused on governance philosophy, the state of social and economic life, and concrete proposals for rebuilding local autonomy and community strength across Polish regions.