Following the referendum that removed Aleksander Miszalski from office, PiS deputy leader Przemysław Czarnek has officially proposed that the Law and Justice party and Confederation field a single joint candidate.
Czarnek’s Appeal to Confederation
Speaking to residents in Gdansk, Przemysław Czarnek argued that a unified candidate from the right is the only way to “restore order” in Krakow. He directly addressed Confederation leaders Krzysztof Bosak and Sławomir Mentzen, suggesting a joint effort to challenge the current political landscape.
Czarnek noted that the ideal candidate for this coalition should be someone from outside traditional party structures, though he stated this remains a matter for further negotiation between the parties.
Krakow’s Path to Early Elections
The recent referendum result mandates early mayoral elections, which must be conducted within 90 days, no later than the end of August. Until a new mayor is elected, the city will be governed by a commissioner appointed by the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has already appointed Stanisław Kracik, the former deputy to Aleksander Miszalski, to serve as the city’s commissioner during the interim period.
Candidates and Political Landscape
Confederation has already signaled its intent, naming entrepreneur Bartosz Bocheńczak as its candidate. Other potential contenders include local councillor Aleksandra Owca, former NIK head Marian Banaś, and city councillor Łukasz Gibała.
Additional names circulating include Daria Gosek-Popiołek of the New Left and Paweł Śliz of Poland 2050. The candidate for Civic Coalition remains officially unconfirmed at this time.
Context of the 2024 Election Results
In the 2024 local elections, Aleksander Miszalski secured the mayoral seat with 51.04 percent of the vote in the second round, narrowly defeating Łukasz Gibała, who received 48.96 percent.
The first round saw a fragmented field where PiS candidate Łukasz Kmita garnered 19.79 percent, followed by Andrzej Kulig with 7.18 percent, Confederation’s Konrad Berkowicz with 5 percent, and other candidates polling significantly lower.