English Section

Polish presidential contenders field questions in separate debates

07.07.2020 00:15
Poland’s two presidential contenders have fielded questions on their policies in separate events after failing to agree to take part in a joint debate ahead of elections at the weekend.
Audio
Andrzej Duda meets residents in Końskie
Andrzej Duda meets residents in Końskie Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

Incumbent Andrzej Duda, who is running for a second term, took part in a debate on Monday organised by state broadcaster TVP in the central town of Końskie.

Duda, who is backed by Poland’s ruling conservative Law and Justice party, said the economy was in "pretty good" shape, despite the coronavirus crisis.

He answered questions from locals and internet users about help for businesses during the epidemic, about the environment, and help for older citizens and the young.

Duda said that gradual pay rises were one way of keeping young Poles from emigrating.


Presidential challenger Rafał Trzaskowski meets residents in Leszno. Photo: PAP/Mateusz Marek
Presidential challenger Rafał Trzaskowski meets residents in Leszno. Photo: PAP/Mateusz Marek

Meanwhile challenger Rafał Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw and the candidate of the opposition Civic Platform party, took questions at a separate event dubbed a "presidential arena" in Leszno, west-central Poland.

He vowed to be an independent head of state, adding that he would keep close tabs on the Law and Justice government. He also criticised the party’s contested changes to the judiciary.

The Polish president has the power to veto legislation passed by parliament.

Duda and Trzaskowski will square off in a runoff election on Sunday after no candidate won an outright majority in a first round of voting on June 28.

Polish election rules specify that if no presidential candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote in a first-round contest, a second round is held two weeks later.

(pk)

Source: PAP/Polish Radio

Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Michał Owczarek.