Speaking at a key campaign rally in Poznań, western Poland, he declared himself a “citizens’ candidate” and urged voters to choose a president “from the will of the nation.”
“We need a president who brings people together, not one who divides,” Trzaskowski told a crowd of about 5,000 gathered in Poznań city centre.
He added: “I can say with full strength that I am your candidate, the citizens' candidate.”
Referring to the 1,000th anniversary of the coronation of Poland's first king, Bolesław the Brave, Trzaskowski said the upcoming election would decide whether Poland chooses a leader “for just one tribe” or a “president for all Poles.”
Trzaskowski also criticized his main rival, Karol Nawrocki, the candidate backed by the opposition conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party and outgoing President Andrzej Duda.
Highlighting what he sees as achievements of the government led by the Civic Coalition and its allies, Trzaskowski said Poland's position in the European Union and NATO was being rebuilt, free media and independent courts had been defended, and economic growth was underway.
However, he stressed that "very much" work remained to be done.
He said the role of the president should be to promote equality and ensure all citizens have fair access to education, healthcare and public transport.
Drawing on his experience as mayor of Warsaw, he emphasized the importance of building a country for everyone, “regardless of political sympathies.”
He added that true patriotism is about extending an open hand, not a clenched fist, because "politics is not a boxing ring," in an apparent allusion to Nawrocki's pugilistic background.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also addressed the crowd, saying Poland needs a president who would support the government's efforts to modernize the country, not hinder them.
“We need a president who cooperates with the government, represents the country well, and does not bring it shame,” Sikorski said.
He highlighted Trzaskowski’s foreign language skills, taking a swipe at previous gaffes by officials, and said: “I guarantee you that President Trzaskowski will not tell the US vice president that he is their 'friend in dick,'" a reference to a notorious English mistake made by Duda a few years ago.
Sikorski also stressed the importance of European unity, warning that Russia seeks to undermine it. Listing several European countries that historically lost wars against Russia when acting alone, he said, “Together, we are a power.”
Małgorzata Trzaskowska, the candidate's wife, also spoke, expressing concern for the future of Polish children in a rapidly changing world.
“The future of all Polish children is at stake in this election,” she said. She called for a country governed by competent, honest people who can serve as moral role models and foster a community based on mutual respect.
The rally was marked by a strong turnout of pro-democracy supporters, many waving Polish and European Union flags or carrying placards with slogans such as "Rafał listens to women" and "Together we will defend democracy," Polish state news agency PAP reported.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP