Tomasz Rakowski has been proposed as the Law and Justice candidate for the presidency of Gdańsk, with the party announcing the choice at a press conference. Acknowledging the city’s challenges, Anna Fotyga, a PiS Member of the European Parliament and former foreign minister, described Rakowski as someone who understands residents’ concerns and can develop practical solutions. Local officials and lawmakers voiced their support for the candidacy.
Rakowski as the Gdańsk presidency candidate
At the press gathering, lawmakers from the Law and Justice party stated that Tomasz Rakowski would represent the party in the local elections for the presidency of Gdańsk.
Rakowski is presented as a long-term resident of Gdańsk, an IT expert, a manager, and a successful entrepreneur who has operated in the city for many years under the Law and Justice umbrella.
Former government spokesperson Piotr Müller described Rakowski as a highly active individual who aims to transform Gdańsk, improve its administration, and address social issues. Müller added that Rakowski, who sits as the PiS representative for the Gdańsk district, believes Gdańsk is a beautiful city that requires a compelling and forward-looking vision. The emphasis is on a leadership style that places the city first rather than merely patching problems on the surface.
Rakowski runs his own IT company, a venture he describes as a driving force behind his professional life. He also stated his background from the business world, where problem-solving takes precedence over excuses and where results are earned through hard work.
He announced plans to begin the election campaign in the coming days, with a commitment to visit all districts of Gdańsk as part of the outreach effort.
A candidate who understands local problems
Those familiar with Rakowski emphasize his deep knowledge of residents’ challenges and the ability to craft effective solutions. Supportive voices from the political circle described him as a strong option for the city’s leadership.
An MP highlighted Rakowski as an excellent prospective president for Gdańsk, praising his potential to drive constructive changes in the city’s governance.
A different path for the city
During the presentation, another member of parliament stressed the importance of offering Gdańsk an alternative to the existing political and social framework. The speaker argued that the city had endured a long period under a single approach, which, in his view, had led to various systemic issues linking local politics, business, and the legal sphere.
The speaker urged openness in democracy, advocating for the fluidity of power and the presentation of alternatives in city leadership, including at the municipal level.
Rakowski, aged 42, is the PiS representative for the Gdańsk District, spanning Gdańsk and Sopot. He is identified as an IT professional who leads his own company and has previously run in parliamentary contests in 2019 and 2023.
In the surrounding political landscape, Alekandra Dulkiewicz announced her intention to run again for mayor of Gdańsk, supported by the All for Gdańsk association and the Civic Coalition. At the time of writing, no candidate had been announced by the Common Path coalition, a group that includes Poland 2050, the New Left, and urban movements with roots in Gdańsk’s resident-driven origins.
The municipal elections in Gdańsk were scheduled for a Sunday in early April, with a second round for city leadership planned for later in the month.
Coverage from various perspectives described discussions around safety, values, and the city’s future direction, reflecting ongoing debates about Gdańsk’s governance and development. The overall discussion highlighted questions about how best to balance growth, infrastructure, and social issues as the city looks ahead.
The discourse around the Gdańsk presidency candidate emphasized the desire for a practical plan, a clear vision, and leadership that puts residents first while addressing structural challenges that have accumulated over years of governance.