Rafał Trzaskowski pressed forward in the KO presidential primary race, delivering key messages at a rally in Olsztyn and during a segment in the Polsat News studio. A side note from a survey comparing him to Radosław Sikorski sparked lighthearted chatter, with PiS MP Sebastian Kaleta joking about the image being so tall it hardly fits on screen.
“I grew up in a tough neighborhood”
At a supporters’ gathering in Olsztyn, the KO candidate for the presidency stressed that his previous campaigns in Warsaw and during the 2020 race had prepared him to stay steady under pressure. He underscored the need to remain composed when needed, to respond with timing, and to keep the campaign moving with energy and momentum.
He asserted that if voters choose him, he would not back down and that victory in the presidential race would be within reach because the stakes are so significant.
He also noted there was little reason for intense emotion during the KO primaries. He described the coalition as united by shared values, adding that genuine passion would surface during the actual elections.
He recalled his track record, including during the pandemic when many people stayed home while he and other local government officials worked daily, including efforts to hospitalize patients when necessary. He highlighted Warsaw’s role in assisting Ukrainian refugees, acknowledging tough campaigns against the city’s local government. The message was clear: strength comes from experience and resolve, not from loud demonstrations.
“It’s not about flexing muscles; it’s about being ready, having the right experience, and withstanding tough scrutiny,” he said. “Growing up in a hard environment taught me not to evaporate under pressure.” He stressed that tact and diplomacy sometimes require restraint, and toughness should not be displayed at every turn.
He admitted that praising oneself is awkward for him. “It’s awkward for many people who are deeply rooted in Polish culture to talk about themselves,” he said, acknowledging the personal discomfort in self-promotion.
He conceded he did not have time to visit smaller towns during the prior campaign but announced plans to meet as many people as possible, including in villages, this time around.
Nervous reaction to Zgorzelski’s words
In a Polsat News interview about the KO primaries, Trzaskowski noted that there was still time before November and that a decision might come sooner or later as the system was being refined. He also addressed remarks by Michał Kamiński about the prospects of other candidates, insisting he would not attack rivals and that neutrality within the October 15 Coalition should prevail.
He rejected accusations of spreading clever parodies and suggested the matter be left to KO members to settle internally, stressing that allies within the governing coalition should support one another rather than attack one another.
When pressed about Sikorski’s stance on persuading PSL voters, Trzaskowski replied that the polls and the station’s own assessments should be viewed, pointing out that conservative voters might be evenly split but that his lead appeared more pronounced among undecided and affiliated voters.
“Oh dear mother, how big you are”
Trzaskowski had previously said there was no reason for heightened emotion in the KO primaries, but he later leaned into a different angle by highlighting the survey results he shared on social media. The image accompanying the post showed a tall graphic with the tall figure of the candidate, and the accompanying commentary reflected public perception rather than a formal boast. The discussion around the image drew a flurry of social media reactions from supporters and critics alike, with personalities weighing in on the height comparison and its humorous undertone, rather than on policy specifics.
One commentator remarked that the candidate’s height seemed to dominate the moment while others poked fun at the visual, noting the striking spectacle more than the substantive policy debate. The exchange illustrated how political theater and personality can shape public perception even as candidates navigate the complexities of a crowded primary race.
Analysts observed that the controversy over the image underscored Trzaskowski’s intent to project confidence and resilience, a strategic counterbalance to opponents who seek to frame him as untested. The broader takeaway was that the campaign would likely keep leaning on personal narrative and steady leadership, complemented by policy messaging and regional outreach, as the primaries progress.
In the end, supporters highlighted his willingness to engage directly with voters, his readiness to tackle tough questions, and his commitment to maintaining civility within the coalition while pursuing a clear path to victory in the presidential contest. The ongoing dialogue around leadership style and experience mirrors a broader conversation about what voters expect from a candidate at the national level, especially in a dynamic political landscape.