Poland's Debate Clash

Poland's presidential race kicked off with two parallel debates in Konskie on Friday, revealing growing political divisions and heated exchanges over migration, economic policy, and media influence, CE Report quotes PAP

A debate originally planned by public broadcaster TVP and private networks TVN and Polsat—seen as favorable to the centrist Civic Coalition (KO)—was met with resistance from conservative candidate Krzysztof Nawrocki, who demanded inclusion of right-leaning channels TV Republika, Trwam, and wPolsce24. After this request was denied, TV Republika staged its own event on Konskie’s town square.

Nawrocki’s debate featured several candidates, including Szymon Hołownia (Third Way), Marek Jakubiak (Free Republicans), Krzysztof Stanowski (independent), and Joanna Senyszyn (independent). The migration pact dominated the discussion, with most candidates opposing it, except Senyszyn, who called it necessary for maintaining order—her comments met with boos from the crowd.

Economic proposals ranged from zero VAT on food (Nawrocki), to reversing previous tax reforms (Hołownia), to creating a state bank (Stanowski).

Meanwhile, a second debate led by KO candidate Rafał Trzaskowski began later at a nearby sports hall. Trzaskowski, who had invited other candidates at the last minute, clashed with Nawrocki again, this time amid a scuffle at the entrance allegedly involving Nawrocki’s team.

New participants at the second debate included Magdalena Biejat (New Left) and Maciej Maciak (Prosperity and Peace Movement). Migration remained a central issue, with Trzaskowski accusing the former government of “leaky” refugee policies, and Biejat defending migrant labor contributions.

These were the first debates of the campaign. A joint debate hosted by public television is planned for May 14, while TV Republika will hold its next event on April 14.

Poland’s presidential election will be held on May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1.