The first televised debates of the presidential candidates took place in Końskie, Poland. Initially, these debates were planned as a “face-to-face” discussion between Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate from the “Civic Coalition,” and Karol Nawrocki, backed by the “Law and Justice” party.
Representatives from TVP, TVN, and Polsat confirmed their readiness to organize and broadcast the debates. However, Nawrocki’s team requested that other TV channels also be included in the debates. After failing to reach a consensus, TV Republika arranged its own debate in Końskie’s town square. Trzaskowski, meanwhile, did not decline Nawrocki’s invitation.
On Friday, several other candidates revealed their intention to participate in one or both debates. After 6:00 PM, Trzaskowski expressed on social media that, out of respect for the voters and other candidates, the debates, initially intended to be covered by three national TV channels, should proceed.
The candidates discussed a range of topics including migration, the economy, energy, justice, climate policy, and security. Several hundred people gathered to listen, with the event sometimes feeling like a political rally. Regarding the migration pact, four out of five candidates opposed it, with the exception of Joanna Senyszyn, who viewed the pact as a solution to the migration issue. A scuffle occurred at the entrance to the sports hall, which was broadcast live. Nawrocki later told journalists that his team had been barred from entering the hall.
Trzaskowski, after the debate, described it as fair, stating, “No one had better conditions; it’s not like we had in 2020.”
“Truth and courage won,” Nawrocki said following the event.
These debates in Końskie marked the first of the current campaign. Another debate is scheduled for Monday by Telewizja Republika, while joint debates organized by TVN, TVP, and Polsat will be held on May 12.
The presidential elections are set for May 18, with a potential second round on June 1.
