During a Poland-Future Civic Convention at Hala Sokół in Kraków, Dr. Karol Nawrocki, chairman of the Institute of National Remembrance and a candidate for the presidency, addressed the audience with a firm message. He spoke of beginning a history of victory for Poland and its people, expressing belief in the nation and in its citizens. He noted that he had traveled a long road to be present that day.
“I believe that today we begin the history of a new victory here. I believe in this victory and I believe in Poland. I believe in you, ladies and gentlemen. I believe in Poland and I will fight for it. I have come a long way to be here with you today”, Nawrocki declared. It was at this same venue ten years earlier that the president of PiS announced the candidacy of Andrzej Duda.
Nawrocki’s speech was announced by his eldest son Daniel.
“Hello, ladies and gentlemen”, Daniel Nawrocki said, acknowledging the audience and expressing gratitude for the warm reception. “Because you are with me today, thank you!”
He then affirmed the moment, stating that the place had long stood as a symbol of victories. Nawrocki emphasized his belief that a new chapter of triumph for Poland had begun and reiterated his commitment to the nation and its people. He explained that he had travelled a long road to be there that day.
The candidate added that he could represent all Poles with responsibility, recounting a life shaped by modest beginnings in a working-class district of Gdańsk. He described his schooling and early days, recalling the school and a workers’ club hall once at the Gdańsk Shipyard, and he spoke of living a simple, dignified life with Poland at heart.
He spoke of the first lesson in responsibility as rooted in family life. Nawrocki highlighted his wife Marta as a source of strength, his sister Nina, who bakes the finest cakes, and his children Daniel, Antek, and Kasia, thanking them for their support. He also warmly greeted his mother, likely watching from the same apartment where he grew up, and expressed his love and gratitude.
Family is the first lesson in responsibility for Poland
He reflected on a period of intellectual work at the University of Gdańsk, describing a life of study and routine. He recalled traveling by tram along line 12 from Siedlce to the university for five years as a normal part of his daily life, a life that did not require daily selfies to prove it. Nawrocki emphasized the importance of consistent effort over image.
The first lesson in responsibility for Poland, he said, starts with the immediate family. He expressed happiness that his wife Marta was with him, thanked his sister Nina for her culinary talents, and celebrated his children by name, noting the support and pride they bring to the country. He also greeted his mother with affection, acknowledging the enduring family ties that shape his view of public service.
Poland is my great love
Nawrocki described a profound devotion to Poland shaped by a long career at the Institute of National Remembrance. He spoke of safeguarding Polish memory both at home and abroad and of upholding a truthful, demanding account of Polish history. The Westerplatte site, he argued, offers a timeless teaching that the value of a struggle is measured by the principles it pursues, not by the odds of victory. The audience heard that Poles fight for values today and have a duty to prevail.
Freedom was highlighted as a central value: personal freedom and responsibility toward the community. Nawrocki stressed that Poland, built on more than a millennium of history and Christian values, should never be ashamed of its heritage, including symbols that underscore national identity. The audience echoed his declaration that Poland is a great love and that the nation deserves steadfast leadership, which he would provide as president. The room responded with chants of support, signaling solidarity and confidence in the message.
I’m One of You
He spoke of a large task ahead, a heavy responsibility, and a clear motive for seeking the presidency. Nawrocki argued that he has lived among the people his whole life, knows Poland well, and understands their needs. He asserted that he is one of the people and that for Poland to be strong, it must stay true to its values and sovereignty, resisting any attempt to erode national symbols or autonomy.
He added that he has worked hard all his life and will continue to do so, because Poles deserve a president who shares their work ethic and who will stand with them every day.
““This is about Poland, not about the Polish-Polish war.”
In addressing broader political dynamics, Nawrocki thanked the Citizens’ Committee and more than a hundred respected individuals for their support, including the backing of Prof. Andrzej Nowak. He emphasized the importance of unity and noted the role of the United Right camp and its leader, Jarosław Kaczyński, in backing a civilian, impartial candidate who can unite the country. He described the maturity of the camp that entrusted such a mission to a non-partisan figure as an indication of concern for Poland’s future and the responsibility of leadership.
He underscored that the nation must move beyond internal conflicts to focus on Poland itself. If trusted as a civilian candidate, he suggested, the Polish-Polish dispute could come to an end, allowing the country to focus on common goals and national progress.
“‘Poland needs permission and care’
Poland, he explained, faces significant challenges that require broad agreement, understanding, and cooperation across the patriotic spectrum. The moment called for a specific approach, given a recent history of two successful government terms, an improving public finances backdrop, and eight years of investment in social programs and defense. While progress had been made, many Poles believed further changes were possible, and Nawrocki argued that such changes must occur through effective governance, not mere rhetoric.
In recent years, Poland has narrowed the wealth gap on a European and global scale, yet many people pressed for more. Nawrocki contended that surface-level media narratives cannot replace real governmental efficiency, citing ongoing issues such as doctor queues and the conditions faced by families in towns like Bolesławiec, Aleksandrów Łódzki, and Kruszwica as indicators of real need for improvement.
He described ongoing concerns about the proper functioning of the law and the administration of justice, arguing that independent institutions must be protected from inappropriate political interference. He called for stability, unity, order, and care, with a emphasis on safety and the financial security of Polish families. He pledged that his future legislative agenda would include measures to relieve working people from overtime taxes and that energy security and identity within the European framework should be pursued with a balanced approach to EU cooperation.
In closing, Nawrocki argued for a stable and constructive relationship with the United States as a cornerstone of Poland’s security, vowing to defend NATO’s deterrence and to advance the development of regional defense infrastructure. He urged that Poland must be capable of defending itself and its borders while engaging with allies in a way that strengthens European security as a whole. He asserted that a civilian, unity-driven leadership could guide the country through challenging times with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility.
In the end, the message was one of commitment to Poland, a call for unity, and a pledge to work tirelessly for the country’s future.