Political Disparity in Upcoming Polish Presidential Election: Competition for Polish Left-wing Voters' Hearts and Minds Remains Intense Despite Improved Prospects for Major Left-wing Candidates
Poland's Capital Buzzing Over its Presidential Race: Krakow, the vibrant heart of Poland, has become a battleground for the country's future as the presidential election heats up. In a city bursting with history and youthful energy, the crowds gather to hear Adrian Zandberg, the charismatic leader of the Razem (Together) party, speak his progressive beliefs.
Addressing the enthusiastic supporters, Zandberg championed his vision of quality public services, affordable housing for all, investments in education and science, and the end to the toxic right-wing duopoly in Polish politics. However, he wasn't just preparing for this weekend's election; he was also leading the charge for a political force that has long been on the fringes — a movement popular with urban, younger Poles.
Opinion polls suggest that the contest's final battle, which kicks off on Sunday with the first-round voting, will be between two frontrunners: Rafał Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki, representing the right-wing Civic Platform and Law and Justice (PiS) parties, which have been the dominant political forces in Poland for the past two decades.
Zandberg, undeterred, remained confident and passionate as he shared his vision of a different, better Poland. "We can afford for Poland to become a country with decent public services," he declared. "We can afford for people to stop dying in line to see a doctor. We can afford for young, hard-working people to be able to rent a roof over their heads for a normal price, so that they can afford to start a family."
Magdalena Biejat, Zandberg's main competitor for the left and a deputy marshal of the Senate, rallied her supporters in another central Krakow square the day before. Her party, Lewica, is part of the ruling Civic Coalition along with the center-right Civic Platform. While joining the coalition has drawn criticism from some on the left, Biejat defended her decision. according to her, it has allowed her party to have a real effect on politics in Poland.
She listed their achievements: "It is thanks to Lewica being in the government that we managed to introduce a pension supplement for widows. We managed to introduce a pilot programme which shortened working hours. We managed to increase the funeral allowance," Biejat said. "We have changed the definition of rape, so that women no longer have to explain to the judges that it was not their fault that someone had hurt them. Thanks to us, parents of premature babies have received additional leave days for each week spent in hospital with a small child."
The resurgence of the left in Polish politics is a fragile one, with concerns about the political polarization that has been growing in the country. While the ideals of the left-wing candidates closely resemble those of left-wing candidates in other European countries, their appeal in Poland is limited, as people have become disillusioned with immigration and resentment towards Ukrainian refugees has surfaced. In the most recent European election in 2024, Lewica secured just 6.3 percent of the vote, the lowest score in its history. In the 2023 parliamentary elections, the party secured only 5.3 percent of the vote.
The question now is whether leftist parties can start to make a comeback. Some observers see signs of a possible resurgence, but it remains to be seen whether Adrian Zandberg or Magdalena Biejat will be able to capitalize on this and win over the polarized Polish electorate.
Have a say in Poland's future: With Sunday's election fast approaching, it's time for Poles to decide which candidate best represents their aspirations for the nation. Will the left finally manage to make a comeback? Or will the right continue to hold sway? To stay updated on the latest developments, sign up for Al Jazeera's breaking news alerts and more.
- Amidst the surging political race in Poland, the presidential election has sparked intense debate about the future direction of the country's education system.
- As the economic impact of wars in neighboring regions continues to have an effect on Poland, the candidates' opinions on foreign policy and immigration have also become major issues in the election campaign.
- In response to the rising numbers of refugees fleeing war, the topic of immigration policy and the treatment of refugees has become a centerpiece of the political discussion during the election season.
- As healthcare quality and access remain a concern for many Poles, the proposed health policies of the candidates have garnered significant attention and scrutiny.
- In the midst of Poland's general news headlined by the presidential election, opinions regarding the country's political landscape and the role of various parties in the economy and society have been voiced passionately and repeatedly throughout the campaign.
