UPDATE: Trzaskowski rejects Hołownia’s offer for Gdańsk debate

Szymon Hołownia has invited Rafał Trzaskowski to a one-on-one debate in Gdańsk on April 30, 2025, but the Civic Coalition candidate has declined, calling instead for a full-candidate discussion.

Two representatives of the ruling coalition are running in this year's presidential election in Poland. On the left is Rafał Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw, supported by the Civic Coalition (KO). On the right is Szymon Hołownia, Speaker of the Sejm (lower house of the Polish parliament), from the Third Way coalition (comprising Poland 2050 and PS

Photo: PAP/Krzysztof Ćwik/Tomasz Gzell

Szymon Hołownia’s campaign has sent an official invitation to Rafał Trzaskowski’s team for a debate on April 30, 2025, in Gdańsk.

Hołownia, the Speaker of the Sejm (lower house of Polish parliament), and Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw, are expected to discuss Poland's future challenges and present their political visions.

The invitation, signed by Hołownia's campaign chief Jacek Cichocki, aims to engage voters and generate momentum for both candidates.

Zaprosiłem wczoraj Rafała na spotkanie z jego wyborcami w Gdańsku. Wspólnie odpowiemy na pytania od publiczności – tak jak robiliśmy to na Campus Polska. To były dobre rozmowy.

Prezydent ma bronić kraju, więc musi umieć bronić swoich poglądów. Jego sztab nie powinien go wiecznie… pic.twitter.com/2l5f6IAerq

— Szymon Hołownia (@szymon_holownia) April 24, 2025

The debate will take place in the evening, with the exact time and location to be confirmed.

Both candidates will have the opportunity to question each other and respond to questions from the audience.

The event will be streamed online. As of now, there has been no response from Trzaskowski’s campaign team.

UPDATE: Trzaskowski declines one-on-one debate with Hołownia

Civic Coalition presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski said he would not participate in a one-on-one debate with Szymon Hołownia, emphasizing that such discussions should involve all contenders.

Speaking to Polsat News, Trzaskowski stated he respects Hołownia and prefers not to engage in personal disputes, adding that he has more substantial differences with other rivals. He also suggested a joint appearance in Monday’s Super Express forum instead.

(m p)

Source: IAR/PAP/Polsat News/X/@szymon_holownia