Krakow Mayoral Election Date Set for September 27, 2026, Confirming Tusk’s Statement

The Polish government has drafted a decree setting Krakow’s early mayoral election for September 27, 2026, following the final dismissal of legal protests regarding the May referendum.

Draft Decree Sets Election Date

“An early election for the mayor of the city of Krakow in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship is ordered. The date of the early election is set for Sunday, September 27, 2026,” reads a draft regulation by the Prime Minister’s Office prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. The document requires an opinion from the State Election Commission and has been sent to the head of the National Electoral Office, Rafał Tkacz.

Tusk’s Schedule and Legal Deadlines

Tomasz Szymański, Secretary of State in the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, requested the State Election Commission’s position by July 30 at 1:00 PM. The regulation is scheduled to be announced no later than August 5, 2026, though Donald Tusk specified during a Wednesday press conference that he intends to issue it earlier on Friday, July 31.

Reasons for the Election Delay

According to the Electoral Code, an early mayoral election in Krakow should have been held within 90 days of the announcement of the referendum results that recalled the previous city leader. However, Donald Tusk warned in June that the timeline could shift slightly due to the need to resolve election protests, pointing toward the second half of September.

Court Ruling Confirms Referendum Validity

PAP reported that on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal in Krakow dismissed an appeal against a ruling that had rejected a protest concerning the validity of the May 24 referendum. This final ruling confirms the referendum is valid and paves the way for the early election. Deputy Mayor Stanisław Kracik, appointed by the prime minister, currently serves as acting mayor following the recall of former city leader Aleksander Miszalski.