The latest edition of "From Poland with Love" brings insights into Poland’s evolving political landscape, including the expanding list of presidential candidates, internal conflicts within the ruling coalition, and significant social and international affairs.

Topic of the Month: Presidential Digest

The Expanding List of Candidates

Poland's presidential race has become increasingly crowded, with candidates from major parties, smaller political groups, and even independents entering the contest. Interestingly, many claim to be "independent" or "civic" candidates, despite their campaigns being heavily financed by political parties. Among them are Karol Nawrocki, backed by the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS), and Szymon Hołownia, leader of Poland 2050.

A unique aspect of Nawrocki’s candidacy is his current role as President of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), which legally requires political neutrality. While he is not formally a member of PiS, his campaign is funded and orchestrated by the party, raising constitutional concerns. Theoretically, the Sejm could remove him from his post, but PiS-appointed officials dominate the IPN Collegium, making such an action unlikely.

The Battle for the Right and Center

This election cycle sees an unusually crowded right-wing scene, with multiple candidates competing for conservative and far-right voters. On the other side, only three main candidates are vying for centrist and center-left support. The leading figure in this camp is Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who faces little competition from left-wing candidate Magdalena Biejat and an almost-invisible campaign from Szymon Hołownia.

Who Are the Key Candidates?

• Rafał Trzaskowski (Civic Coalition - KO): An established politician with a background in the European Parliament and government positions under Prime Ministers Donald Tusk and Ewa Kopacz.
• Karol Nawrocki (PiS-backed): A historian without prior government experience, known for his leadership at the Museum of the Second World War.
• Sławomir Mentzen (Confederation): A rising far-right figure known for his Euroskeptic views, currently polling at around 12%.
• Grzegorz Braun (Ultra-Right, The Crown Party): An openly anti-Semitic and homophobic politician, recently expelled from Confederation.
• Krzysztof Stanowski: A journalist running as an "anti-candidate," openly admitting he lacks the experience to be president but aims to expose political elites.

Election Timeline and Security Concerns

The elections are scheduled for May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1. Given past allegations of foreign interference, Poland is implementing new election security measures. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski warned of Russian attempts to influence the elections by recruiting individuals on the dark web to spread disinformation. In response, the government has allocated PLN 4 million (EUR 900,000) for an election security initiative.

Politics: Election Certification Controversy

Who Will Certify Election Results?

The Sejm has passed a bill changing how presidential election results are validated. Previously, the Supreme Court’s Supervisory Chamber, filled with PiS appointees, had the final say. Under the new bill, long-serving judges of the Supreme Court would decide the election outcome. PiS and the far-right Confederation strongly oppose the change, claiming it undermines the president's judicial appointment powers.

President Andrzej Duda is expected to veto the bill, which could lead to legal uncertainty and a constitutional crisis.

Lex Romanowski: Punishing Fugitives

In response to the case of MP Marcin Romanowski, who fled to Hungary after an arrest warrant was issued against him, a new law has been passed. The amendment states that MPs facing pre-trial detention will be barred from exercising their duties or receiving parliamentary benefits. PiS denounces this as "political revenge."

Internal Conflicts in the Ruling Coalition

The Debate Over Health Education

The introduction of a new "Health Education" subject in schools has sparked controversy, with conservatives and progressives within the coalition clashing over its implementation. Right-wing protests labeled the curriculum as promoting "depravity." In response, Deputy PM Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the subject would be optional, contradicting Education Minister Barbara Nowacka’s stance.

To avoid further ideological conflicts before the elections, Prime Minister Donald Tusk ruled that health education would remain voluntary, although experts warn that this could limit students’ access to vital knowledge about mental health, nutrition, and sexuality.

Memory: 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz

Commemoration Highlights

On January 27, 2025, the world marked 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Over 50 Holocaust survivors gathered to honor the victims. World leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, King Charles III, and French President Emmanuel Macron, attended but refrained from making speeches, allowing survivors to take center stage.

Due to its ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia was not invited. A major debate also arose over whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should attend, given the International Criminal Court's decision on potential war crimes charges.

Controversial Holocaust References

A New York Post article erroneously referred to Auschwitz as a "Polish Camp," sparking diplomatic backlash. Polish officials demanded a correction, emphasizing that Nazi Germany, not Poland, established the concentration camps.

International Affairs: Polish-Americans Face Deportation Risk

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

With Donald Trump’s administration planning mass deportations of illegal immigrants, Polish authorities are preparing to assist affected citizens. Up to 30,000 Poles could face expulsion due to irregular immigration status. Poland's foreign ministry has urged affected individuals to renew their passports and seek legal advice.

Online Polish communities in the U.S. have been filled with concerns, particularly since Chicago—a major hub for Polish-Americans—is expected to be a primary focus of the crackdown.

Poland-Germany Relations: A New Embassy in Berlin

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties

Poland inaugurated a new embassy building in Berlin, emphasizing the importance of strong Polish-German relations, particularly in light of security concerns in Europe. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski described the embassy as Poland’s most modern diplomatic mission and a symbol of European cooperation.

Society: Poland’s Biggest Charity Sets New Records

Grand Christmas Charity Orchestra (WOŚP)

Poland’s largest charity fundraiser, WOŚP, has raised a record EUR 42 million this year. The charity, which provides medical equipment to hospitals, has raised nearly EUR 474 million since its inception in 1993. Volunteers in Poland and 23 other countries contributed to the success of this year's campaign.

Final Thoughts

January has been a politically charged month in Poland, with the presidential race heating up, internal coalition disputes surfacing, and international concerns mounting. As Poland moves closer to its elections, key issues such as electoral integrity, foreign influence, and social policies will continue to shape the nation’s future.