In an Istanbul‑style rally in Warsaw, former president‑candidate Rafał Trzaskowski unveiled the new Coalition of Citizens’ program, while leader Donald Tusk announced the party’s name and vowed a 2027 victory.
Launch of the Coalition of Citizens’ Program
Rafał Trzaskowski, now president of Warsaw, announced that the new formation would begin drafting its election program. The event, held in the Kopernik Science Centre, was themed “Democracy of Equal Chances” and included talks by Conservative Opposition (KO) politicians and experts on competitiveness, security, rail infrastructure, energy transition and education.
Saturday Convention Marks Start of Two‑Year Campaign
KO officials said the Saturday convention is a first step toward ousting the current government in the next two years. “We have less than two years until the elections – this is the beginning of a full‑scale campaign,” said former PO leader Grzegorz Schetyna, who had initiated the coalition in 2018.
Tusk Blasts PiS Over “Fraud” Claims
During his keynote, Tusk attacked the Law and Justice (PiS) party and its leader Jarosław Kaczyński, accusing them of fraud and calling their promises “a lie.” He mocked PiS’s multi‑topic conference in Katowice, mentioning debates on constitutional issues, women’s rights, and free media.
PiS Accusations Focused on Europe
Tusk said PiS’s strategy is to push a new border at Poland’s West, labeling the EU, Germany, France and Europe itself as the main foe. He warned that the only real enemy is Poland’s freedom and called for unity within the Coalition of Citizens to prevent a PiS return.
Final Decision on Party Name and Logo
Despite rumors, the party will keep the name “Koalicja Obywatelska” and the white‑red heart logo. Tusk vowed that the coalition has already won elections and will win the next ones through truth, strength, and good.
Smaller Parties and Future Elections
The coalition’s minor partners Great Poland and Nowoczesna will cease to exist; Nowoczesna has already scheduled its final congress for November 15. The new coalition’s statutes must still be approved by a court before it can field candidates for the 2027 elections.
Strategic Message of Unity and Victory
In closing remarks, Tusk urged the public to unite against “evil” and to guard Poland from “lies, contempt and hatred,” emphasizing that a united Coalition of Citizens will be a powerful force against PiS.
