On Sunday, members of the Civic Coalition will elect a new party leader and regional heads, testing the balance of power between local and central figures.
Tusk’s Unchallenged Leadership
On Sunday, members of the Civic Coalition (KO) will hold internal elections to choose the party leader and heads of regional and powiat structures. Approximately 20,000 eligible activists will vote at local party headquarters, with results expected Sunday evening.
Donald Tusk is the sole candidate for party chairman. His position is uncontested, and he is expected to surpass his previous 97.4% victory in the 2021 Platforma Obywatelska leadership race, bolstered by the party’s strong polling numbers and governmental power.
Regional Battles Emerge
The most competitive races are for regional leadership, particularly in Lower Silesia, Greater Poland, and the Subcarpathian Voivodeship.
Lower Silesia: Jaros vs. Wielichowska
In Lower Silesia, incumbent Michał Jaros faces a strong challenge from Monika Wielichowska, supported by former party leader Grzegorz Schetyna’s faction. While Jaros has support from local officials, Wielichowska’s entry has made the race tight, reflecting a long-standing power struggle in the region.
Greater Poland and Subcarpathia: Outsiders vs. Veterans
In Greater Poland, Marcin Bosacki is seen as having less experience than his rival, Jarosław Urbaniak, who helped build the party’s local structures. In Subcarpathia, Paweł Kowal is viewed as an “outsider” with a controversial past in PiS, facing Joanna Frydrych, a long-time party member with strong local backing.
Other Regions and the Krakow Referendum
In Lubusz, Opole, and Lublin, races are also underway between local politicians. In Lesser Poland, Aleksander Miszalski is running unopposed for regional leader but faces a recall referendum in Krakow. His performance in the internal vote is seen as a test of the party’s support for him.
The New Leadership of KO
The winners of the regional races will join the National Board of KO. The new leadership is expected to retain figures like Rafał Trzaskowski and potentially include newcomers such as Adam Szłapka, Barbara Nowacka, Radosław Sikorski, and Andrzej Domański.
