Rafał Trzaskowski told RMF FM that he has felt like a presidential candidate for years, dating back to 2020. A Civic Platform member argued that the coalition’s nominee must carry a strong party mandate to stand a real chance in the presidential race. “Radosław Sikorski has appeared, who has had ambitions for years”, the Warsaw mayor said, noting that this should be resolved once and for all.
The Civic Platform’s National Council has outlined plans for primaries likely to take place on November 23, conducted electronically. KO members, including PO, Nowoczesna, Inicjatywa Polska, and Zieloni, will select the coalition’s candidate for president of Poland in 2025. The list includes the current Warsaw mayor and confirmed candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, alongside Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, while Donald Tusk is not on the list. The winner is expected to be announced on December 7 in Silesia.
The party frames itself as a democratic force. Trzaskowski said that he has been a candidate since 2020, taken on responsibility, and remains determined to pursue the presidency. Yet Sikorski’s appearance and longstanding ambitions have created a need for clarity and resolution within the coalition.
Trzaskowski spoke about these points during an interview with RMF24.
Observers noted how the upcoming primaries could affect party dynamics and the broader race, underscoring the importance of a clear and united position within the coalition.
Transparent primaries, or rather Tusk
Trzaskowski proposed the idea of primaries as a way to secure broader support from politicians in the ruling bloc.
To join next year’s presidential race, described as a crucial test for Poland, a very strong mandate is required. If part of his party did not back him, it would be hard to imagine readiness for such a major challenge.
“To participate in next year’s presidential elections, which are important for all of us in Poland, you need a very strong mandate”, Trzaskowski stated. “If part of my party did not support me in these efforts, it would be difficult to imagine that they would be ready for such a major challenge.”
“The Civic Coalition candidate must carry a robust mandate, and primaries are designed to deliver precisely that”, he said, while avoiding a direct answer about who would back him.
He claimed he had engaged with colleagues across the country, noting he had been active and traveled widely. He knows many who work in the regions and expects votes from parliamentarians, senators, and local officials who have worked with him daily. Several colleagues had already expressed support, while others preferred to keep their preferences private, a natural stance in party politics.
He argued that Marek Sawicki’s assertion that the PO primaries would be decided by Donald Tusk reflects a misunderstanding of how the Civic Coalition functions. He stated that primaries have been ordered and that the four KO parties will decide.
Observers noted endorsements within the coalition and the importance of maintaining a transparent process.