On the evening of May 8, 2025, Karol Nawrocki, a candidate for the presidency in Poland, held a meeting in Rzeszow that drew significant attention. The event was marked by both enthusiastic supporters and vocal protesters, reflecting the contentious political climate in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
Nawrocki, who is backed by the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), arrived at Rzeszow's Market Square shortly after 7 PM in a campaign bus, ready to engage with voters. Attendees were eager to purchase merchandise, including Nawrocki's book, campaign shirts, and sweatshirts, with a free mug offered for those buying a sweatshirt or two shirts. The atmosphere was lively, with local politicians from PiS present, including Ewa Leniart and Władysław Ortyl, among others.
However, the event was not without controversy. Prior to Nawrocki's arrival, a counter-demonstration took place, with protesters holding signs that accused him of unethical behavior, including the slogan "The way to get Karol is to swindle an apartment from a senior citizen." This reference was in response to Nawrocki's recent acquisition of an apartment from a sick elderly man, which has sparked widespread criticism and the creation of memes mocking the situation.
As he took to the stage, Nawrocki delivered a nearly twenty-minute speech that quickly turned combative. He accused former Prime Minister Donald Tusk of capitulating to Germany regarding the issue of reparations for World War II. "On Wednesday, the lackey and butler of the German state, Donald Tusk, once again bowed before the German chancellor and said, I don’t know in whose name, because not in mine and not in ours, that the issue of reparations is settled," Nawrocki stated, eliciting a strong reaction from the crowd, which chanted "shame."
Nawrocki further claimed that Poland is owed more than 6 trillion zlotys from Germany, asserting, "These funds are simply owed to us." He promised that if elected president, he would bring the issue of reparations to the forefront of European and global discussions.
In addition to his focus on reparations, Nawrocki emphasized the need for development in the Podkarpacie region, which he described as having grown dynamically in recent years. He questioned why the region was being deprived of opportunities and infrastructure projects, including the Central Communication Port and vital transportation links. His rhetoric resonated with many attendees who voiced their support through chants of "Here is Poland" and "Solidarity."
Nawrocki also expressed his commitment to social programs introduced by the United Right, including the 800+ initiative and additional pensions for seniors. His stance has garnered support from the "Solidarity" trade union and over 20 Catholic organizations, which he cited as evidence of his program's alignment with national and Christian values.
The meeting concluded with Nawrocki urging his supporters to mobilize for the upcoming elections, stating, "We are going for victory. I will be a strong president for difficult times." He warned that the future of Poland hinges on the decisions made on May 18, the date of the presidential election.
Despite the fervor among his supporters, the political landscape remains competitive. A recent poll commissioned by "Super Express" indicated that Nawrocki's support stands at 22.7%, while his main opponent, Rafał Trzaskowski, has 32.26%. Interestingly, although Trzaskowski lost one percentage point since the last survey, the gap between him and Nawrocki has widened to nearly 10 points, signaling a shift in voter sentiment.
The atmosphere at the Rzeszow event was electric, with Nawrocki taking time to engage with attendees, posing for photos, and signing copies of his book, "Polska silna historią" (Poland Strong Through History). However, tensions remained high as supporters and opponents exchanged heated words near the town hall.
As the evening progressed, Nawrocki faced questions from journalists regarding his absence from a parliamentary committee meeting about his financial disclosures. He appeared unfazed, quickly signing autographs before departing, while police reported that the gathering was largely peaceful despite the significant turnout.
This meeting in Rzeszow illustrates the charged atmosphere surrounding the upcoming elections, with issues of ethics, national pride, and social welfare at the forefront of public discourse. As candidates like Nawrocki push their agendas, the electorate remains divided, grappling with the implications of their choices for the future of Poland.
