Warsaw Mayor and former presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski addressed young voters at Campus Academy, reflecting on his electoral defeat.
Efforts and Accountability
Trzaskowski, who ran as the Civic Coalition’s (KO) candidate, emphasized his exhaustive campaign efforts, working eight months from morning to night. He denied major mistakes, stating, “I gave it my all. If you ask me if I made any major errors or blunders, I don’t think so.”
Root Causes of Defeat
The mayor attributed his loss to broader trends favoring anti-establishment candidates who use simple language. He noted, “The winner is someone who speaks clearly for 20 minutes, hops on a scooter, and rides away,” referencing Sławomir Menten’s campaign style.
Coalition Tensions
Trzaskowski criticized coalition partners (except the Polish People’s Party) for “predatory” attacks during the campaign. He warned that without unity among democratic forces, parliamentary elections could lead to disaster, hinting at divisions over the CPK project.
Defending Nawrocki
Surprisingly, Trzaskowski defended Karol Nawrocki, urging supporters to stop mocking his snus use or English pronunciation. He argued, “If you overheat certain issues, they backfire on those who push them,” acknowledging that PiS’s campaign tactics also contributed to his defeat.
Future Ambitions
Trzaskowski avoided discussing potential presidential runs or government roles, focusing instead on local governance. As a loyal PO member, he is likely to remain in the party or its successor, formed from a merger with Nowoczesna and Inicjatywa Polska.
