In the wake of the Platform’s primary results, Rafał Trzaskowski gave a brief address to thank the Platform members who supported him, outlining a tone of toughness, determination, and courage for the campaign ahead. In a moment that many saw as defining the race’s strategic thread, he framed the objective as defeating the ruling party PiS. Observers noted that the fixation of government leadership and Prime Minister Donald Tusk on diminishing Law and Justice had permeated his inner circle, to the point where politics seemed to revolve around beating PiS. Even Grzegorz Schetyna, speaking on a private channel, hinted that the presidential contest could pave the way for “closing the system.” Trzaskowski quickly reiterated that his primary aim in the presidency would be to prevail over PiS. (Attribution: wPolityce)
Yesterday in Krakow, Prof. Andrzej Nowak spoke on behalf of the nearly 200‑member Citizens’ Commission to present presidential candidate Dr. Karol Nawrocki. The professor described Nawrocki as a figure who, having never joined a political party, could run as a civilian candidate with a realistic chance to end the ongoing Polish‑Polish divide. President Jarosław Kaczyński lent support to this candidacy on behalf of Law and Justice, echoing a similar rationale: the party had several strong contenders, but the latest in-depth polling suggested Poles want a leader capable of real connection. (Attribution: wPolityce)
The candidate introduced himself by thanking his immediate family, his wife and three children, and he asserted a desire for Poland to win these elections and to secure a bright future for all Poles. He did not cast the race as a Platform victory; instead he spoke of strengthening Poland’s position in Europe and in the world, of building beyond division, because Poland is currently at odds with what he described as an aggressive neighbor to the East. He emphasized creating opportunities for all generations, particularly the young, so that the exodus of Poles seeking a life abroad in the 1990s and 2000s—an exodus associated with earlier left‑ and Platform‑led governments—would not be repeated. Nawrocki portrayed himself as the complete opposite of Trzaskowski, not only in knowledge and views but even in physical traits, noting he is eleven years younger and slightly taller than his rival. (Attribution: wPolityce)
Yet differences between the candidates extend beyond personal stances. Trzaskowski, as deputy chairman of the Platform, will likely scrutinize the performance of the Platform government from 2008–2015, a time when he served in government, while the current administration under Tusk is still in its early days. It is already clear to many observers that the aim appears to be retaliation against predecessors, a posture that some say can cloud judgment and diminish concern for ordinary people. A stark example cited is the flood response in southern Poland, where critics argue the government’s action was delayed, the threat was downplayed, and the dam of a large reservoir was breached. Although a relief law for flood victims was enacted and a minister was appointed as a special plenipotentiary, compensation for more than 60,000 affected households arrived only after two months and often at nominal levels well below initial promises of 100,000 or 200,000 zlotys. (Attribution: wPolityce)
The portrayal of the current Platform coalition does not stop at governance style. It also points to an alignment perceived as subordinating Poland’s interests to broader European concerns, with assertions that strategic investments initiated under the PiS government were blocked. The problems cited include delaying the Central Transport Corridor project, postponing the first unit of a planned nuclear power plant by as much as eight years to 2040, hindering the expansion of ports such as Świnoujście, and ensuring the Oder River remains navigable. According to proponents of Nawrocki, these moves reflect a shift that serves German interests and invites pushback from Berlin and other German states since the PiS era began planning and pursuing these initiatives. (Attribution: wPolityce)
Another aspect emphasized is a dramatic rise in public debt. This year’s deficit is described as PLN 240 billion and the next year’s as PLN 290 billion, with spending framed as politically motivated while tax reforms are framed as privatizations that erode revenue certainty. The result, supporters claim, is debt increasing beyond the EU Maastricht ceiling of 60% of GDP by more than 10 percentage points within a short span, threatening long‑term fiscal health. Health care is highlighted as a sector facing acute strain, with projected deficits that could force the postponement or cancellation of planned hospital procedures. At the same time, the cost of living is described as climbing rapidly, driven by higher electricity, gas, and district heating bills, with further increases anticipated, constraining both households and businesses. (Attribution: wPolityce)
Wrapping this narrative into the campaign, supporters argue that tying Nawrocki to the perceived record of Tusk’s government would not guarantee victory; the former prime minister’s substantial financial and media resources still give him leverage. Therefore, Nawrocki needs broad engagement from citizens who care about Poland’s future and the welfare of all Poles, especially the younger generation, in order to compete effectively. These observers stress a campaign strategy that mobilizes genuine concern for the country’s trajectory and keeps the focus on substantive questions about governance, economy, and international standing. (Attribution: wPolityce)
Note: The perspectives above reflect reporting and analysis from a media outlet cited for context on the evolving Polish presidential race. (Attribution: wPolityce)