Transparency in public life stands as a guiding principle for Karol Nawrocki, who is running as a civilian candidate for the presidency. He announced that as soon as the Speaker of the Sejm sets the date for elections, he will step away from his post at the Institute of National Remembrance. His pledge is simple: a clean break from official duties to avoid any appearance of advantage during the campaign. He asked his competitors to consider a similar pause, framing the move as a test of commitment to fairness rather than a tactical maneuver. He spoke clearly on the X platform, emphasizing that his intention is to preserve trust in public life and to set a standard that others might follow.
In Nawrocki’s view, public life should resemble fair play in sports. He stated that when the Sejm’s president announces the January 8 election date, he will immediately go on leave from the Institute of National Remembrance and stay away until the campaign ends. The plan is not personal convenience but a principled stance meant to shield the process from conflicts of interest. He described the leave as a deliberate interruption of routine duties, a pause designed to protect the integrity of the race and to demonstrate that public service and candidacy can coexist with transparency.
With that move, Nawrocki invites his rivals, especially those who hold influential posts, to make the same commitment. He argues that the current political landscape already tilts in favor of party leaders who can lean on financial resources and organizational strength in ways ordinary candidates cannot. The call for holiday is framed as an equalizing measure, one intended to level the playing field and underscore that fairness to the nation must come before personal advantage. Nawrocki acknowledged the personal cost, conceding that this would be the hardest holiday of his life, given the pressure and scrutiny that accompany a bid for the presidency.
Beyond his own eligibility, the question rises for the other players in the race. Will Rafał Trzaskowski and Szymon Hołownia match Nawrocki’s standard and step away from official duties for the duration of the campaign, or will they try to bend the rules by using their public positions to advance their campaigns? The rhetoric reflects a broader debate about how political campaigns should be conducted in a democracy that prizes accountability and equal opportunity. Supporters may welcome the call as a bold move toward fairness, while critics might see it as a restrictive tactic that complicates the responsibilities of public office and the duties of leadership.
Observers will watch closely how this unfolds. The proposal touches on core questions about ethics, accountability, and media coverage in modern campaigns. If a leave becomes the norm, it could change how candidates coordinate with volunteers, manage communications, and demonstrate their commitment to the public good. The discussion also shines a light on the expectations voters hold for politicians who are simultaneously in public office and pursuing higher office. In the end, the emphasis on fair play seeks to elevate the debate and remind everyone that the ultimate aim is a credible and trustworthy administration rather than a quick political win.