A referendum will likely be held in Krakow in May to decide whether to recall both the city’s mayor and its entire city council.
Referendum Triggered by Signature Collection
To initiate a referendum to recall Krakow’s mayor, at least 58,355 valid signatures – 10% of eligible voters – are required. A committee, supported by political opponents of the ruling coalition, collected over twice the necessary amount, completing the process in 43 days, ahead of the 60-day legal limit.
On March 11th, opponents of Mayor Aleksander Miszalski submitted a petition with nearly 134,000 signatures to the National Electoral Commission delegation in Krakow. The commission has 30 days to verify the signatures, but unofficial reports indicate the required number has already been confirmed.
Referendum Timing and Scope
The electoral commissioner is expected to prepare the referendum order after Easter, specifying the exact date. This document will then be published in the official gazette by the Voivodeship Governor. Initiators anticipate the referendum will be held on May 17th or 24th.
Validity Requirements
The referendum concerns not only the recall of the mayor but also the entire Krakow City Council. For the referendum to be valid, voter turnout must exceed 3/5 of those who participated in the election of the body being recalled. This equates to at least 158,555 voters for the mayor (compared to 264,257 who voted in the second round of the mayoral election on April 21, 2024) and 179,792 voters for the City Council (compared to 299,652 who voted in the City Council election on April 7, 2024).
Grievances Against Mayor Miszalski
Opponents accuse Miszalski of city debt, cronyism, failing to fulfill election promises, and conducting himself unsuitably in office. They also criticize the implementation and rules of the Clean Transport Zone (SCT), fare increases, extended paid parking hours, and the introduction of parking fees on Sundays.
Miszalski’s Response
Miszalski views the recall attempt as a continuation of the recent local elections. In January, he defended himself against the accusations, citing growing city revenues, “resident-friendly” investments, and efforts to improve the quality of life in Krakow, including transport services.
Recent Election Results
On April 21, 2024, Miszalski secured over 51% of the vote in the second round of the election, defeating Łukasz Gibała, a councilor, entrepreneur, activist, and former PO MP, who received almost 49% of the votes.
