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Trzaskowski vs. Nawrocki: Debate date announced

09.04.2025 08:45
Rafał Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw and candidate of the ruling Civic Coalition (KO), has proposed holding a debate with opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki of the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS) this Friday, April 11 at 8 p.m. in the town of Końskie, located in the east-central part of Poland.
On the left: Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate of the ruling Civic Coalition (KO). On the right: Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and the candidate of the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS) in Polands 2025 presidential election. The date of their debate has been announced
On the left: Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate of the ruling Civic Coalition (KO). On the right: Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and the candidate of the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS) in Poland's 2025 presidential election. The date of their debate has been announcedPhoto: PAP/Artur Reszko/Rafał Guz

“Fair rules, major TV networks. I’m waiting. Have some courage, Mr. Nawrocki,” Trzaskowski wrote on social media. Earlier, Nawrocki - backed by PiS - had called on Trzaskowski to agree to a joint discussion.

Why Końskie is key to winning elections in Poland?

The idea that “elections are won in Końskie” was first voiced by Civic Platform’s Grzegorz Schetyna in 2015, after the party lost that year’s parliamentary elections. Since then, Końskie has become a symbolic location representing small-town, provincial Poland - areas considered crucial to winning national elections, provided that enough attention is paid to local community issues.

Just last month, Nawrocki challenged Trzaskowski to a debate on public safety, choosing Końskie as the venue. He pointed out that five years ago, ahead of the second round of the presidential election, Trzaskowski declined to take part in a debate with then-incumbent President Andrzej Duda that was also held in Końskie.

Two tv debates announced for Poland's 2025 presidential election

So far, in connection with the 2025 presidential elections in Poland, two national TV debates have been announced. The first, scheduled for April 14 on TV Republika, will feature eight candidates, excluding Rafał Trzaskowski and Magdalena Biejat. A second debate is planned for May 12 on major networks TVN24, Polsat News, and TVP, with all registered candidates invited.

Szymon Hołownia, Speaker of the Sejm (lower house of the Polish Parliament) and presidential candidate from the Third Way, announced he will participate in a debate on TV Republika on April 14. He emphasized that he is ready to debate Karol Nawrocki and Sławomir Mentzen, stating that the era of extremists speaking without consequences is over.

Nawrocki agrees to debate Trzaskowski - with one condition

Responding to Trzaskowski’s debate proposal, Karol Nawrocki confirmed via social media that he is willing to participate - but with one condition.

He insisted that all television networks, including those typically barred from asking Trzaskowski questions at press conferences, be allowed to cover the event. “Let the campaign teams handle the details,” he added.

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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@trzaskowski_/@NawrockiKn