The debate, organised by the campaign team of Civic Platform (KO) candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, was initially planned as a one-on-one confrontation between Trzaskowski and PiS-backed candidate Karol Nawrocki.
However, just hours before the event, Trzaskowski appealed for the inclusion of other contenders who had announced they were travelling to Końskie, arguing that the debate should be expanded "out of respect for the candidates and the voters."
As a result, the stage included not only Trzaskowski and Nawrocki but also Left candidate Magdalena Biejat, Third Way’s Szymon Hołownia, Joanna Senyszyn, Marek Jakubiak (Free Republicans), Krzysztof Stanowski, and Maciej Maciak.
Moderated by journalists from the three major Polish TV channels – TVP, TVN, and Polsat – the debate was structured around three key themes: security, foreign policy, and the economy.
Candidates addressed questions on topics such as the potential return of mandatory military service, the future of Ukraine, migration policy, their competence in international relations, increased defence spending, and a bill banning alcohol sales at petrol stations.
Migration policy again took centre stage, with Trzaskowski criticising the government’s handling of the crisis, while Nawrocki accused him of flip-flopping.
A heated moment occurred when Nawrocki placed a rainbow flag on Trzaskowski’s lectern. Trzaskowski dismissed the act as an "obsession with gay people," while another candidate, Magdalena Biejat of the New Left, took the flag and said she was not ashamed of it.
Both leading candidates faced criticism from their rivals for allegedly trying to control the debate format.
Hołownia, leader of the Third Way coalition, remarked that the dominant duo had to finally allow others to be heard.
Candidates also exchanged pointed questions; Trzaskowski asked Nawrocki whether he could criticise PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, while Nawrocki pressed Trzaskowski on why Warsaw still lacks a street named after the late President Lech Kaczyński.
Post-debate reactions were polarised. PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński declared Nawrocki the winner and mocked Trzaskowski for allegedly failing despite favourable conditions.
Stanowski, a media personality turned candidate, called the debate dull, while Biejat said a genuine left-wing voice had been heard. Absent candidate Sławomir Mentzen (Confederation) dismissed the debates as a "circus."
Earlier that day, another debate took place in the market square in Końskie, this one hosted by conservative-leaning media outlets Telewizja Republika, wPolsce24, and Trwam. It featured Nawrocki, Hołownia, Senyszyn, Stanowski, and Jakubiak.
The twin debates in Końskie were the campaign’s first. More are planned, including a joint event by major networks on 12 May.
Poland heads to the polls on 18 May, with a potential run-off set for 1 June.
(ał)
Source: PAP, IAR