In a lively debate on May 9, 2025, hosted by TV Republika, candidates for the upcoming presidential elections in Poland clashed over various issues, including the beauty industry and retirement age. The debate, which began shortly after 8:00 PM, marked the third such event organized by the channel leading up to the elections scheduled for May 18, 2025.
Marek Woch, one of the candidates and a prominent figure in the beauty industry, posed a provocative question to fellow candidate Adrian Zandberg, asking if he would protect the beauty sector from being overtaken by medical professionals. "Part of the medical lobby wants to take over the beauty industry. Some Poles are getting rich, caring for their faces, and shaving their legs. And some doctors want to shave legs too. Will you protect the beauty industry from doctors?" Woch inquired. Zandberg, seemingly amused by the question's complexity, responded, "We need doctors working in hospitals and health centers because we have problems shortening waiting times."
Despite Zandberg's attempts to clarify his stance on private healthcare, Woch pressed for a direct answer regarding the protection of the beauty industry, which he noted employs around 100,000 people, including many foreigners. However, Zandberg did not have the opportunity to address this point further during the debate.
The debate featured a total of ten candidates, including Artur Bartoszewicz, Szymon Hołownia, Grzegorz Braun, Sławomir Mentzen, Joanna Senyszyn, Marek Jakubiak, Adrian Zandberg, Karol Nawrocki, Krzysztof Stanowski, and Marek Woch. Notably absent were Rafał Trzaskowski, Magdalena Biejat, and Maciej Maciak.
Rafał Brzoska, CEO of InPost, initiated the evening by discussing the retirement age in Poland, a topic that has been a point of contention among the candidates. His remarks set the stage for a heated debate on various social issues.
Grzegorz Braun, another candidate, drew attention with a controversial comparison related to recent events in Oleśnica, igniting further discussions among the participants. Meanwhile, Zandberg took the opportunity to confront Karol Nawrocki regarding a housing scandal, adding to the evening's tensions.
The debate was broadcast live on TV Republika and Telewizja Trwam, allowing viewers to engage directly with the candidates through questions. Experts, including constitutional law professor Ryszard Piotrowski and Łukasz Jankowski, president of the Supreme Medical Chamber, posed questions to the candidates, adding a layer of scrutiny to the proceedings.
As the evening progressed, an unexpected moment arose when Sławomir Mentzen raised concerns about the visibility of the timer used to limit speaking times. "I just wanted to point out that we don't have a clock. Our opponents have a clock behind the camera," he stated, highlighting a potential issue with fairness during the debate. Karol Nawrocki echoed Mentzen's concerns, claiming he too couldn't see the clock. This led to a brief but tense exchange between the candidates, with Mentzen insisting that it was challenging to speak without being able to monitor the time.
Katarzyna Gójska, one of the hosts, attempted to diffuse the situation, stating, "We don’t approach this with pharmacy precision." Despite her efforts, Mentzen continued to press the issue, suggesting it was an unfair disadvantage. Following his remarks, the host assured that the timing would be more strictly monitored moving forward, responding to Mentzen’s request.
The debate concluded with each candidate delivering their final statements, leaving viewers with a clearer understanding of their positions as they head into the critical final week before the elections. This debate not only highlighted the candidates' policies but also their ability to engage with one another under pressure, setting the tone for the electoral contest ahead.
As the political landscape in Poland continues to evolve, the debates organized by TV Republika serve as a crucial platform for candidates to present their views and connect with the electorate. With the first round of elections just days away, the stakes are high, and the candidates are keenly aware that every word and gesture counts.
In summary, the debate on May 9 was a significant event in the lead-up to the presidential elections, showcasing the candidates' diverse perspectives on key issues facing Polish society today. As the nation prepares to cast its votes, the discussions from this debate will undoubtedly resonate with voters as they make their decisions.
