Janusz Korwin-Mikke (1942) has been a familiar figure in Polish politics since 1991. Before that he had been an anti-communist activist, imprisoned in the 60s.
His official political "position" is conservative and libertarian, but his trademark bow-tie and hat and extreme statements have made him more of an eccentric, fringe figure.
Korwin-Mikke has for many years seemed to enjoy provocative and extremist statements which depart markedly from his officially espoused minimal state libertarianism. He has frequently made misogynistic comments, expressing his 19th-century conviction that women should not be allowed to vote until middle age once again this week - as an explanation for his personal failure to achieve re-election.
The Chilean dictator Pinochet is one of his heroes, Korwin-Mikke saying that he would have "nothing against" a similar military dictator appearing in Poland.
The right-wing Confederation coalition, particularly one of its leaders Krzysztof Bosak, has been very critical of Korwin-Mikke, particularly since the election. Bosak has blamed Korwin-Mikke for Confederation's disappointing performance. Bosak in particular has made considerable efforts to distance his party from extremism.
Confederation's official campaign statements position them as a tax-cutting and patriotic party in terms of foreign policy - somewhat akin to Thatcherism in the UK. However, several Confederation members have been members of more radical nationalist organisations. This background combined with extremist statements made by leaders Korwin-Mikke and Sławomir Mentzen may have put off more moderate voters and contributed to their disappointing 7.16% general election result.
Sources: wnp.pl, Forbes, oko.press, dorzeczy.pl
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