Speaking in the north-central city of Toruń on Thursday, Zandberg warned that Poland was running out of time to invest in nuclear power and should push for a joint European nuclear program.
“If we do not move quickly with large-scale investments in nuclear power, we will not have enough energy,” Zandberg told reporters.
He argued that relying on a single nuclear power plant would be insufficient and that Poland needs multiple reactors to sustain economic growth.
Without such investments, Poland’s economy will face an energy crisis as coal-fired power plants reach the end of their technological lifespan, Zandberg said.
He warned that the country would then be forced to rely on imported electricity, which he called a “bad solution” in terms of cost, security and economic stability.
Zandberg also urged Poland to push for a European nuclear initiative, arguing that several countries, including France, could be allies in such an effort.
He criticized what he described as Poland’s traditional approach of waiting for Germany to take the lead, saying Berlin would not initiate such a move.
“Poland must take the lead in gathering allies and pushing for change,” he said.
He also took a swipe at Prime Minister Donald Tusk, accusing him of prioritizing populist rhetoric on migration over long-term energy strategy.
“Energy policy will determine whether Poland thrives in the next 10 to 15 years or falls into stagnation like parts of Western Europe,” Zandberg said.
In another campaign statement, Zandberg told public broadcaster Polish Radio on Friday that EU countries should bring together their defense industries and strengthen military cooperation.
Poland’s presidential election is scheduled for May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1 if no candidate secures an outright majority.
The presidential race features high-profile contenders, including Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, backed by the liberal-centrist Civic Platform (PO) party, and Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), who is supported by the right-wing opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Other candidates include left-wing lawmaker Magdalena Biejat, far-right politician Sławomir Mentzen, and conservative MP Marek Jakubiak.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP