Presidential frontrunner calls for TV debate
Rafal Trzaskowski, the centrist candidate for president representing the ruling Civic Coalition bloc, has urged his primary rival, Karol Nawrocki, to engage in a televised debate organised by Poland's major television networks.
Trzaskowski, who is currently the mayor of Warsaw, has extended an invitation to Nawrocki, a right-wing candidate backed by the main opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, to participate in a debate scheduled for April 11 in Konskie, a town located in southern Poland.
In late March, Nawrocki had previously urged Trzaskowski to engage in a debate focused on national security, reminding him that he did not attend a similar event during his 2020 campaign in that same location.
"Are you brave enough?" Trzaskowski challenged in a video shared on the X platform. "Friday. April 11. 8pm. Fair rules, major broadcasters. I'm waiting. Courage, Mr Nawrocki!"
Prime Minister Donald Tusk also weighed in on the matter via X on Wednesday: "(PiS leader Jaroslaw - PAP) Kaczynski always ran away from one-on-one confrontations. Will his candidate also prove to be a coward? We will find out on Friday."
Later on Wednesday, Nawrocki confirmed his participation in the debate but requested access for all broadcasters.
"For several weeks, I have been inviting you to engage in a debate, and at last, the moment has arrived," he wrote on X. "You are used to the sheltered environment of your campaign, and this offer is also convenient for you. However, that is of no concern to me; I'm ready."
Previously, the far-right TV Republika had announced plans for an election debate on April 14; however, both Trzaskowski and Magdalena Biejat, the presidential candidate from The Left, declined the invitation. A similar event will be broadcast by the largest networks, including the state-run TVP and private channels TVN and Polsat, on May 12.
Poland is set to elect its next president on May 18, with a possible run-off election occurring two weeks later. (PAP)
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