As the Polish presidential election approaches, controversy brews over the selection of moderators for the upcoming debate scheduled for May 12, 2025. The debate, organized by TVP, TVN, and Polsat, has seen significant pushback against the inclusion of Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf, a prominent figure at Telewizja Polska (TVP), due to allegations of bias and partisanship.
Most campaign staffs have voiced strong opposition to Wysocka-Schnepf's role as one of the moderators, citing her perceived affiliation with the ruling party. Krzysztof Stanowski, a presidential candidate and founder of Kanał Zero, highlighted the issue by publishing a photo of the debate rules along with a 20-minute recording of a heated discussion among campaign representatives and TVP officials regarding her participation.
During this discussion, Stanowski openly criticized Wysocka-Schnepf, stating, “She is the face of propaganda, and appointing her would undermine the credibility of the debate.” He further expressed concerns that her presence would lead to ongoing controversies, stating, “If there are already controversies at this stage, they will only escalate once the debate takes place.”
In a vote conducted among the campaign staffs, eight out of ten present opposed Wysocka-Schnepf's involvement, with no one supporting her as the moderator. Karol Nawrocki's staff specifically argued that her participation could compromise the debate's objectivity. Łukasz Michnik, a spokesperson for Nowa Lewica, confirmed that TVP had not provided any alternative moderators, further fueling the discontent.
Mateusz Kurzejewski, the deputy spokesperson for PiS, labeled Wysocka-Schnepf as the “biggest propagandist,” reinforcing the notion that her involvement would detract from the debate's integrity. Despite the backlash, Nawrocki has indicated his willingness to participate in the debate, even if Wysocka-Schnepf remains as moderator. TVP is expected to announce its final decision regarding the moderation soon.
The debate is set to take place at 8 PM in TVP Studio at ul. Woronicza 17, lasting approximately 150 minutes. This event comes just six days before the first round of the presidential election, which is scheduled for May 18, 2025, with a potential second round on June 1, 2025.
Wysocka-Schnepf has been a controversial figure in Polish media, having worked at TVP since 2004, with a hiatus during the PiS government's earlier term. She has hosted various programs, including the main news segments and political discussions. Critics argue that her narratives often reflect a one-sided perspective that raises concerns about impartiality. Adam Szynol, a media expert, noted that her controversial approach could undermine the debate's credibility.
In a recent comment on the escalating situation, Wysocka-Schnepf shared a provocative post targeting her critics, referring to Stanowski, Nawrocki, and Jakubiak as “three puppets of Kaczyński,” suggesting that they are merely tools in a political game against the focused candidate, Rafał Trzaskowski.
The upcoming debate is crucial as it will be the last major public forum before the election, and it follows a series of debates that have already occurred. So far, four debates have taken place, with the last one organized by Super Express. The first debate was held by TV Republika, followed by another on the same day in a sports hall in Końskie, reportedly organized by Trzaskowski's campaign.
TV Republika is also planning to host another debate on May 9, 2025, which will further shape the political landscape leading up to the elections. As the candidates prepare for the debates, the stakes are high, and the scrutiny of their performances will be intense.
In light of the ongoing debates and the controversies surrounding moderator selections, the political atmosphere in Poland is charged. With the election just around the corner, candidates must navigate not only the political issues at hand but also the perceptions of their integrity and the fairness of the electoral process.
As the nation gears up for these pivotal moments, voters will be watching closely to see how the candidates handle the pressure and the media scrutiny. The outcome of the debates could very well influence the final results of the election, making it essential for candidates to present themselves effectively and authentically.
