“Tourism baron” is how a Krakow politician is described by a national journalist when covering Aleksander Miszalski, a candidate for the city’s presidency. Miszalski, who previously ran a chain of hostels, moved the business to family ownership just before announcing his active political bid. A report noted that two hostels linked to him sit in the building that once housed a Gestapo prison, a detail that stirred significant public reaction. The Krakow edition of a major daily responded by defending the candidate, while city council members suggested the critique came from a right-leaning journalist connected to opponents of Miszalski.
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Miszalski is known in part as a devotee of large music festivals and, more controversially, for the eight-star symbol associated with satirical commentary about Poland. During one festival appearance, he posed with eight stars on his forehead that formed a slogan referencing the ruling party. In a later interview, he attributed the gesture to young people who happened to be nearby, not to a deliberate political message.
He explained that the photo was not his idea and that it was posted inadvertently by his assistants who failed to notice its implications. That explanation came as he was moving from a local business owner profile into a broader political role.
Recently, Miszalski has emerged as a candidate for mayor of Krakow in addition to his bid for the presidency, earning the label of a “tourist baron” in some circles.
Pomorska Street in Krakow is cited as the site of a building that housed a Gestapo prison and where a pair of hostels operated in the years after the war. The same structure is described as hosting Miszalski’s former hostel enterprises, a claim that prompted further commentary on the intersection of history and modern commerce in the city.
– wrote a Krakow-based journalist on the X platform about Miszalski’s company holdings. The journalist shared multiple posts detailing the hostel network in question. The narrative underscored that, ahead of his decision to run for office, Miszalski had transferred ownership to family members and highlighted what some critics called a controversial move by someone who benefited from rapid development in Krakow. A reader noted that there was more to the story, drawing attention to the building’s past and the current tenants.
– emphasis was placed on the claim that two hostels were located within the historic site, linking their operation to a history of torture and capture in the building. The focus remained on how these premises relate to Miszalski’s public image as he sought higher office.
There was a Gestapo prison, there is the “Freedom” hostel
Further explanation from the Krakow journalist described two hostels named “Freedom” and “Premium.” The discourse highlighted the irony of operating a guest facility in a building tied to wartime oppression, with a museum adjacent to the premises accessible through the hostel area, a detail commentators say brings the public too close to a painful past.
– the journalist noted, emphasizing the tension between historical memory and present-day tourism. Others echoed the sentiment that this situation provokes strong reactions among residents and visitors alike.
In private conversations, museum staff reportedly shared feelings of helplessness about years of dealing with questions and concerns related to this site, a backdrop to Miszalski’s broader political story. The journalist assessed that the controversy around Miszalski appears to be escalating, complicating his candidacy in Krakow politics.
Before publicly declaring his bid for the Krakow presidency, Miszalski transferred his shares in the two hostels to family members. Those following the case described the development as a potential scandal, urging viewers to share the accompanying video in hopes of drawing wider attention to the issue.
– concluded the piece with a call for public engagement on the matter.
Relief of coverage by the newspaper
Gazeta Wyborcza offered a defensive stance, pushing back against the attacks on Miszalski from the platform’s critics. The critique came from a journalist whose past role included work with regional outlets, and the publication framed the critique as part of a broader struggle against overt sensationalism in tourism-related coverage. A spokesperson for the newspaper asserted that Miszalski has rejected the allegations surrounding his business history.
The topic is one that political observers expect will draw further attention from other Krakow candidates, including PiS contender Łukasz Kmita and opposition leader Łukasz Gibala. A city council member described the situation as a strategic distraction, noting Miszalski’s supporters are actively engaging to counter the narrative. The editor or columnist referenced as part of the discussion described the feud as a display of political polarization surrounding Krakow’s governance.
In this context, the Krakow political scene is portrayed as a battleground where historical memory, business history, and present-day ambitions collide. Observers suggest that the dispute may be an early indicator of a broader, multifaceted campaign for control over Krakow’s future budget and development strategy. The overall takeaway is that Miszalski’s candidacy is moving through a rough phase, with media dynamics shaping public perception and political debate. While one side frames the critiques as partisan attacks, the other emphasizes accountability and the responsibilities tied to public office.
aj/X, Wyborcza.pl
Source: wPolityce