In a televised segment on Telewizja wPolsce24, Michał Wójcik, deputy leader of PiS, criticized a year of governance under Donald Tusk, arguing that Poland’s budget has been strained and that decisions have drained the national wallet, leaving the country with mounting debt. He framed the critique as a signal to voters about the financial burden carried by households and businesses, pointing to rising prices, energy costs, and new subsidies that critics say did not translate into sustainable growth. For readers in Canada and the United States following European budget debates, the remarks underscored how campaign rhetoric in Poland often centers on prudent budgeting, clear priorities, and the risk to living standards when fiscal trajectories worsen.
Michał Wójcik was asked what elements Law and Justice will lean on in the presidential campaign, and he indicated a plan that foregrounds security credentials, a robust rule of law narrative, and promises aimed at stabilizing public finances while delivering tangible benefits to citizens. He described a campaign blueprint that ties strong national defense and lawful governance to everyday improvements in people’s lives, a combination designed to appeal to a broad audience, including observers in North America who track European political trends.
He said that security has become the central topic, stressing Poland’s geographic reality as a frontline nation and noting how the conflict in Ukraine drives rapid changes in defense, border control, energy resilience, and international alliances. At the same time the campaign will address economic topics such as jobs, growth, energy prices, and tax policy, seeking to connect national security with everyday living conditions in a way that resonates with voters in Canada and the United States.
He added that voters want coherent plans for both security and the economy, and that the campaign will reflect that balance.
‘Polish wallets emptied for 12 months’
The PiS vice-president pressed the point that a year under Donald Tusk has emptied Poland’s pockets, describing the set of decisions as deeply harmful and debt-prone. He argued the budget choices have put households and small businesses under pressure, with higher energy bills, interest costs, and daily expenses rising faster than wages, a scenario he said will weigh on voters as the campaign unfolds.
He tied the budget concerns to the broader argument about the rule of law, warning that the opposition challenges democratic norms and could threaten Poland’s standing in the European Union and with international partners. He argued that the governance approach under the current leadership has created instability and that the opposition would bring more of the same if given power.
He noted the campaign would test the resilience of candidates and campaign teams as the public debate intensifies, and he stressed that the race will hinge on clear messages about safety, prosperity, and democratic norms. Nawrocki, a central figure in the PiS slate, is seen as a target of harsh criticism as the pace of campaigning accelerates, which he described as an expected feature of a high-stakes political contest.
No wonder, because this campaign is expected to be tough and highly opinionated, with a decisive battle to decide who will sit in the presidential palace. A clash is anticipated primarily between the Law and Justice candidate and the Civic Coalition contender, with both sides framing their visions for the nation’s future and its place in Europe and the wider Atlantic community.
He emphasized that the contrast will center on leadership style and governing philosophy, and that voters will look for a roadmap that reconciles security commitments with credible economic reforms. The discussion highlighted the intense scrutiny facing both sides as Poland prepares for a pivotal vote.
“Russia will want to influence the elections.”
When asked about the possibility of Russia being involved in attacks or interference, he admitted that this possibility cannot be ruled out. He cautioned that outside actors have sought to sway political outcomes, a reminder of the broader global context in which European elections take place, and he noted that disinformation and provocative messaging often accompany such efforts as the vote nears.
There are reports of covert activity and a recognition that Moscow would seek to shape the outcome. He suggested that hate and inflammatory rhetoric have appeared across the spectrum of public discourse, and he warned that such tactics could intensify as election day approaches, challenging candidates and supporters alike to respond with calm and resolve.
He reiterated Nawrocki’s growing recognition and effectiveness, noting that Russia has a clear incentive to focus on him given his prominence in public life and the potential influence his candidacy could have on Polish politics. The campaign narrative thus blends concerns about foreign influence with a defense of democratic processes and the right to a fair contest.
The discussion reflected a sense of ongoing strategic planning as campaigns in Poland brace for a long, contentious road to the presidency. The dialogue captured the interplay between security priorities, economic messaging, and the pervasive fear of external meddling that can shape public opinion in a highly charged political environment. The campaign underscores a broader pattern seen in other Western democracies where national security, fiscal responsibility, and democratic integrity are front and center as elections draw near.