In a radio interview, Paweł Kukiz outlined a strategy for the right-wing field. He argued that the campaigns of Marek Jakubiak, Sławomir Mentzen, and Karol Nawrocki should blend sharp competition with practical cooperation, keeping channels of contact open to prevent a post-communist candidate from winning. He commented on the current Polish presidential race and suggested that some remarks from Mr. Trzaskowski could hint at a future papal bid, a remark he treated with a sharp, ironic edge about a Renaissance man, blessed Raphael.
Kukiz, a well-known musician, ran in the 2015 presidential election and finished in third place with roughly twenty percent of the vote. Riding that momentum, he founded Kukiz’15, a civic and political movement aimed at reshaping how Poland is governed.
Today, as a member of parliament in the Free Republicans group, Kukiz weighs the present campaign in which his ally Marek Jakubiak is active and considers the prospects for a patriotic, pro-state candidate emerging from this circle.
Trzaskowski for Pope
What campaign is this exactly? Kukiz described the moment as part mockery and noted that Poland still has a large political dynamic at work. The pre-campaign stage, in his view, has itself become a campaign of its own.
He also questioned what Mr. Trzaskowski has been saying, hinting that his statements might be read as an eventual pursuit of the papacy in the Vatican. He pointed to the KO candidate as a reference point in this exchange.
The discussion then turned to the power of media and the aggressive pace of online discourse. Kukiz spoke about how such activity can influence public opinion and, in his view, hinder meaningful political change.
He recalled that in 2015 some platforms, including YouTube and Google, effectively limited the visibility of his name in searches, a reminder of how digital visibility can shape public perception.
When the radio host noted that Kukiz had been seen as a dark horse in 2015, the Free Republicans MP replied with a light remark about continuing to wear black and asserted that there is only one horse in the Sejm with that title, one that remains relevant for a long time.
He added that Jakubiak stands out as the only candidate speaking loudly about the need for political changes, including reforming the electoral law, lowering referendum thresholds, and bringing the judiciary under citizen oversight. He lamented that these topics are rarely discussed by other right-wing contenders.
Cooperation of right-wing candidates
The interview also featured an exchange that touched on the president of the Institute of National Remembrance, Karol Nawrocki, and how he is perceived in the campaign.
The discussion included sharp commentary about political positioning and self-styling as a national candidate, with Kukiz emphasizing his preference for a citizen-focused approach over rigid partisan labels. He described a citizen candidate as someone who builds a citizen committee and, over time, earns broad political support. He viewed this as a non-partisan path that could be supported by the Law and Justice bloc.
According to Kukiz, he supports this approach and also backs Mentzen, but his strongest support goes to Jakubiak. He joked that there are two thumbs and that, ultimately, what matters most is a genuine heart for the country.
He stressed that one of the three individuals has the best chance of winning, and that the ideal candidate should represent patriotic and pro-state forces.
All three should aim to compete with one another while also cooperating and engaging with each other to avoid an outcome that he sees as unfavorable to right-leaning values. Kukiz urged a campaign style that balances rivalry with collaboration.
But a key question remained: can Jakubiak deliver a big or at least a meaningful result? Kukiz replied that success would be achieving a solid finish or ensuring timely support for the eventual winner, framing it as a victory for the patriotic side.
Yet he acknowledged realism. In 2015, he never imagined that he would become president himself.
Braun’s number
Kukiz also stated that Grzegorz Braun’s participation in the elections was hard to understand, expressing a view that personal ambitions should not overshadow the state or weaken smaller right-wing candidates. He spoke plainly about how such moves can complicate the political landscape for smaller parties.
“Blessed Raphael”
As the talk approached its end, Kukiz returned to Rafał Trzaskowski and underscored a perceived lack of ideological clarity. He described him as a Renaissance man, a mix of old nomenclature and new political reality, sometimes appearing as a fascist and at other times as a post-communist figure, a contrast that struck him as humorous.
Renaissance man, blessed Raphael, he added with a wry smile.
When asked whether this path might lead to electoral success, Kukiz offered a candid line about the political road potentially leading to a psychiatric hospital for all involved.