The latest issue of Fact examines the transformation of President Andrzej Duda during his time in office. Image expert Mirosław Oczkoś points to noticeable shifts in the president’s appearance and manner, particularly since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. The author notes that the most significant shift in Duda’s public image happened in 2015, when he first ran as a presidential candidate, marking a turning point in how he was perceived by voters and observers alike.
Duda began his political path as a lawyer working in the Ministry of Justice. He later became a free and audacious figure in Polish politics, according to Oczkoś, whose analysis highlights the transformation of his public persona as part of this career evolution.
One telltale sign of this change is the haircut. In the pre-campaign period, Duda sported a distinctive hairstyle that reflected a more traditional, perhaps formal, image. After winning a council seat in Kraków, his appearance shifted in a noticeable way, signaling a broader rebranding as he moved into higher political roles.
The prestige of the presidency
The breakthrough moment for Duda’s public image arrived in 2015 with the start of his presidential bid. He began working with image consultants who zeroed in not only on how he looked but also on how he spoke, shaping a more polished and communicative profile for national and international audiences. This approach underscored a shift toward a leadership style designed to project confidence and steadiness during a turbulent period.
Another pivotal episode in Duda’s political journey was the escalation of the war in Ukraine. In this crisis, he emerged as a politician of greater stature, perceived as a responsible and internationally recognized leader, the figure at the center of Poland’s response to global events. Observers note that his actions during this time earned him heightened respect from both domestic and foreign audiences, reinforcing a perception of strength and resolve.
Since the outbreak of the war, reports on Duda’s leadership have emphasized a strengthened presence on the world stage and a readiness to engage in high-stakes diplomacy. Analysts describe him as a more authoritative figure, with a commanding posture in conversations about Poland’s security and its role in regional and global affairs. The transformation is seen not only in rhetoric but also in the visible poise and decisiveness that accompanied his decisions during moments of crisis. This evolution reflects a broader trend of how national leaders adapt their public personas to rising demands and evolving geopolitical realities.
Source: wPolityce