A recent survey reveals a significant disconnect between nationwide voter preferences and the actual priorities of Krakow residents regarding the city’s next mayoral election following the recent recall of Aleksander Miszalski.
A National Perspective on Krakow’s Future
A recent poll conducted for “Wprost” highlights that non-residents have different preferences for Krakow’s mayor than the people living there. While candidates like Marian Banaś and Bartosz Bocheńczak have declared their intent to run, others like Łukasz Gibała are still considering it after his 2024 defeat. An April 2026 OGB survey among locals suggests Gibała would lead in the first round with over 35 percent support.
Survey Results and Public Awareness
In a national SW Research poll, former President Andrzej Duda led with 11.4 percent, followed by Grzegorz Braun at 8.4 percent, and Bogdan Klich at 4.8 percent. However, 52.4 percent of respondents nationwide had no opinion, leading researchers to conclude that more than half of the public is disengaged from Krakow’s local affairs.
Andrzej Duda’s Stance and National Mood
Despite appearing in national surveys, Andrzej Duda has explicitly stated to Onet journalists that he is not considering a run for mayor of Krakow. Separate polling by SW Research for Onet indicates that 59.2 percent of Poles oppose Duda returning to active politics, with only 23 percent supporting such a move.
The Ouster of Aleksander Miszalski
Krakow’s political landscape shifted on May 24, when 97.93 percent of valid votes in a referendum supported the recall of mayor Aleksander Miszalski. Voter turnout for the referendum was 29.99 percent.
Miszalski Reflects on the Recall
Aleksander Miszalski has accepted the decision, noting that the city will now be guided by commissioner Kracik. Miszalski argued that the opposing narrative, which he characterized as manipulated, proved more effective than his own efforts to communicate his administration’s progress to the public.