Following the successful referendum that removed Aleksander Miszalski from office with a 29.99 percent turnout, former mayoral candidate Łukasz Gibała is considering another run for the city’s top post.
The Referendum Outcome
On Sunday, May 24, Aleksander Miszalski was recalled as the President of Kraków. The referendum saw a turnout of 29.99 percent, with 171,581 residents—amounting to 97.93 percent of voters—supporting his removal.
Gibała’s Political Reassessment
Łukasz Gibała, a former PO deputy who has run for mayor three times, is currently evaluating a potential bid. He stated that he needs two to three weeks to build a team and a program to address the city’s financial struggles. He explicitly ruled out seeking support from any political party.
Reasons for the Recall
Citizens initiated the recall citing city debt, unfulfilled campaign promises, and concerns over the Clean Transport Zone (SCT), ticket price hikes, and expanded paid parking hours. While the referendum to remove Miszalski succeeded, the separate vote to dissolve the Kraków City Council failed to meet the required turnout threshold.
Miszalski’s Response
Reflecting on the results, Miszalski acknowledged that his tenure was a significant responsibility. He noted that some of his decisions had eroded public trust, though he maintained that his concern for the city remained a priority throughout his time in office.