On May 9, 2025, a presidential debate aired on TV Republika, featuring a panel of experts posing questions to the candidates. The debate was notable for the absence of several prominent candidates, including Rafał Trzaskowski, Magdalena Biejat, and Maciej Maciak.
The experts leading the discussion included Rafał Brzoska, the president of InPost; constitutional expert Professor Ryszard Piotrowski; and Łukasz Jankowski, president of the Supreme Medical Chamber. They directed questions to the candidates, who also faced inquiries from the audience. The format included rounds where candidates could question each other, culminating in final statements from each participant.
This debate marks the third hosted by TV Republika in the lead-up to the presidential elections. Previously, the station conducted a debate on April 11, 2025, in the market square of Końskie, which was marred by controversy regarding the exclusion of TV Republika from another debate organized by either Trzaskowski's campaign or TVP. Another debate took place at the station's headquarters on April 14, 2025.
In contrast to the lively discussions on TV Republika, the upcoming debate organized by TVP remains shrouded in uncertainty. As of now, the identity of the host for the TVP debate has not been revealed, raising eyebrows among political analysts and the public alike.
Speculation surrounds whether Dorota Wysocka-Schnepf will lead the TVP debate, despite concerns voiced by various campaign teams. The public is expected to learn more about the debate's structure and details on the evening of May 12, just hours before it begins. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism, with some comparing the situation to a famous scene from the Polish film "Misia," where a character dismisses concerns with the phrase, "We don’t have your coat, what are you going to do about it?"
The TVP debate is scheduled for May 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM in the studio at Woronicza 17. It will be broadcast across multiple channels, including TVP1, TVP Info, TVN 24, Polsat News, and Polsat News Polityka. The event is expected to last approximately 150 minutes and will feature all 13 registered candidates, who will respond to questions about both domestic and foreign policy.
In addition to questions from journalists, candidates will engage in mutual questioning and will have a designated 90 seconds for free speech. However, they will be prohibited from using phones or other gadgets during the debate.
The upcoming TVP debate is seen as crucial for the candidates, providing them with a platform to address pressing issues and communicate their policies directly to the electorate. As the election date approaches, the stakes are high for all participants, particularly for those who have faced criticism for their absence in previous debates.
While the TV Republika debate showcased a range of perspectives and allowed for audience interaction, the TVP event's structure and the choice of host remain contentious topics. Observers are keen to see how these factors will influence the candidates' performances and the overall public reception.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the debates serve as a vital mechanism for candidates to articulate their visions and connect with voters. With the absence of certain candidates at the TV Republika debate, questions linger about their strategies and the potential impact on their campaigns.
In a climate where public opinion can be swayed by televised performances, both debates will play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions leading up to the elections. The contrasting approaches of TV Republika and TVP highlight the diverse media landscape in Poland, where debates are not just about policy but also about image and public engagement.
Ultimately, as the candidates prepare for these pivotal moments, voters will be watching closely, eager to gauge who can best represent their interests in the upcoming presidential term. The debates are more than mere formalities; they are critical arenas where ideas clash and the future of the nation is at stake.
