Trzaskowski wants to stay in the capital. What about 2025?
Rafał Trzaskowski confirmed to Polsat News his intention to seek another term as mayor of Warsaw. Asked about the possibility of a future run for the presidency of Poland, he indicated that such speculation was premature. The deputy leader of the Civic Platform argued that the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau should be dissolved, criticizing its recent politicization and suggesting that it has become a tool for political influence. He stated that it would be difficult to envision meaningful alternatives under the current conditions.
Speaking about the capital city, Trzaskowski expressed that his goal is to remain at the helm of Warsaw. When pressed on the timing of the next campaign, he responded that the elections are scheduled for April, and the campaign would likely begin in late January. He reiterated that his focus remains on Warsaw, while acknowledging that questions about higher office are not off-limits in the long run, but insisted that those discussions are premature.
He stressed pride in his work and noted that he had signaled his intentions weeks earlier, in the context of the ongoing government formation talks. The ongoing electoral cycle, according to him, will unfold with multiple important dates: parliamentary elections that strengthen Polish democracy, followed by local elections, and subsequently European and presidential contests. He underscored the significance of each stage for the country’s democratic framework, suggesting that every election carries its own weight in shaping Poland’s future.
In discussing the political landscape, Trzaskowski argued that Poland’s local elections are a crucial barometer for national governance. He claimed that securing victory in Warsaw would set the tone for broader political progress, and that a strong local result would bolster confidence in the country’s democratic institutions. The remarks reflect a view that success at the municipal level can ripple outward, influencing national and European political dynamics.
Attack on the CBA! “Extremely politicized”
The interview also touched on the role of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau. Asked whether the CBA should be dissolved, Trzaskowski argued in the affirmative, contending that the agency had become overly politicized. He claimed that its actions in recent years often appeared to be directed by political orders rather than impartial investigations, making it hard to envision a broader, credible reform under the current framework.
According to his assessment, the responsibilities of the CBA and its specialists could be absorbed by the police, preserving investigative capacity while removing the partisan perception. He noted that alternative approaches, such as reorganizing the CBA rather than eliminating it entirely, had been floated by other political groups, including representatives from Third Way. He cautioned that rebuilding the institution’s image would be a substantial challenge, given the existing public impressions.
Trzaskowski asserted that the CBA’s credibility had suffered due to political meddling, arguing that it was seen as one of the most partisan institutions in recent years. He also proposed the creation of an investigative committee in the new Sejm to examine whether opposition members were wiretapped during the previous government era, signaling a push for increased oversight and transparency in state security operations. The discussion reflects broader debates about the balance between anti-corruption efforts and political neutrality in Poland’s public institutions.
Overall, the interview presented a vision of reform and accountability. The mayoral candidate framed local governance as a foundation for national resilience, while advocating for structural changes in the supervisory bodies that oversee law enforcement and anti-corruption work. The exchange captured a moment of intense scrutiny over how political actors influence state institutions and how voters should evaluate competence and integrity in public service. (Source: Polsat News, with subsequent republications in national outlets)