Following the recall of Mayor Aleksander Miszalski in a local referendum, former Krakow president Jacek Majchrowski has criticized the outgoing administration while naming two candidates he believes are qualified to lead.
Majchrowski’s Critique of the Miszalski Administration
Jacek Majchrowski, who served as Krakow’s president for many years, expressed his hope that the referendum would be invalidated. He attributed Aleksander Miszalski’s loss primarily to a “wave of hate” allegedly funded by his opponent, Łukasz Gibała.
According to Majchrowski, Miszalski’s greatest failure was his inner circle. He argued that the administration was composed of individuals who lacked sufficient professional preparation and treated governing the city as a casual endeavor.
The Search for New Leadership
Discussing the future of Krakow’s leadership, Majchrowski emphasized the need for a pragmatic successor who understands the city and avoids surrounding themselves solely with political allies. He specifically identified Małgorzata Wassermann and Monika Piątkowska as capable candidates, though he noted both currently have no intention of running.
Małgorzata Wassermann is a PiS MP who reached the second round of mayoral elections in 2018. Monika Piątkowska is a senator for the Civic Coalition and a former director within the Krakow city hall.
Emerging Election Candidates
Early declarations for the upcoming snap election have already begun. Potential candidates include former Supreme Audit Office (NIK) president Marian Banaś and Konfederacja representative Bartosz Bocheńczak. There is also speculation that Łukasz Gibała, who lost to Miszalski in 2024, may mount another campaign.
Referendum Results and Transition
Aleksander Miszalski was recalled as mayor of Krakow in Sunday’s referendum, with 171,581 residents voting in favor of his removal. The City Council remains in place due to insufficient voter turnout to trigger its dissolution.
Until a new mayor is elected, the city will be governed by an appointee designated by the Prime Minister. Snap elections must be held within 90 days of the referendum results. Miszalski acknowledged the loss, thanked residents for the opportunity to serve, and called for the city to move forward as a united community despite the political divisions.
