The upcoming local elections carry the same weight as the October ballot, marking a new step in the effort to restore democratic processes. Rafał Trzaskowski, mayor of Warsaw and vice-chairman of the Civic Platform, emphasized in an interview with Rzeczpospolita that a strong performance could weaken PiS and other populist groups by widening the coalition against them.
Ambitions to lead Warsaw long term are clear. The mayor expressed a desire to focus on delivering the program already set in motion while acknowledging that predicting events a year and a half ahead remains difficult.
That stance came during an interview published in the Tuesday edition of Rzeczpospolita. The paper noted that Warsaw residents are weighing whether the city should appoint a full-term president of the capital or see the mayor set sights on the presidency of Poland itself.
In discussing politics, the emphasis stays on present needs and immediate actions. The plan to implement changes, including potential reforms centered on the city core, will unfold in the near and mid term as the administration pushes forward with ongoing projects. There is still substantial work to complete, and the focus remains on finishing the changes that have already been initiated.
Tusk’s candidacy
When asked about the possibility of Donald Tusk running for president of Poland, Trzaskowski offered a concise response. He noted that Tusk currently holds the position of greatest responsibility in the country and is fully engaged in those duties.
Asked if he would aim to win in the first round, Trzaskowski answered that while it is natural to want the best possible result, the outcome will depend on the people of Warsaw and on voter turnout. The exact result will reflect the will of the residents and how many participate in the election process.
Looking back five years, the political landscape presented certain advantages. Local elections then served as a clear signal to PiS that people favor democracy at the local level. If a similar mobilization and turnout were to occur again, a positive result could be hoped for. The key question remains whether residents will recognize the importance of these local contests as part of the broader democratic renewal and whether success in the local arena could contribute to broader strategic shifts against PiS and allied groups.
The discussion highlighted the perception that PiS prioritizes economic concerns and employment. If the governing coalition and independent candidates succeed across regions, cities, and rural areas, the party could face weakening pressure. Strengthening urban mobilization is viewed as providing essential momentum for broader political change.
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Source: wPolityce