On April 27, 2025, in a spirited rally held in Poznań, Polish presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski emphasized his vision for an independent presidency that serves all citizens, not just a select few. Addressing a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, Trzaskowski declared, "I am truly the civic candidate," positioning himself as a leader who would rise above political disputes to unite the nation.
The rally took place shortly after a convention held by the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) in Łódź, where party leader Jarosław Kaczyński placed President Andrzej Duda and fellow candidate Karol Nawrocki in direct opposition to each other. Trzaskowski criticized this move, expressing his disapproval of Kaczyński's willingness to use the presidency as a political pawn. "There is no consent for another president to be Kaczyński's puppet," he stated, echoing sentiments from his previous campaign in 2020.
Trzaskowski's message resonated strongly with the crowd, who chanted, "Poland belongs to all of us, we have Rafał." He underscored the stakes of the upcoming election, asserting that it was about choosing a president who would represent the entire Polish nation, not just one political faction. "Do we want a president who is only for one tribe, or one who is for all Poles?" he questioned, urging voters to consider the implications of their choice.
During the rally, Trzaskowski's wife, Małgorzata Trzaskowska, also spoke, highlighting her commitment to ensuring women's voices are heard in public discourse. "Women have a voice," she proclaimed, as she addressed the crowd with pride and passion.
Joining Trzaskowski on stage were notable figures such as Jacek Jaśkowiak, the mayor of Poznań, and Radosław Sikorski, Poland's Minister of Foreign Affairs. Jaśkowiak emphasized the importance of making wise choices in light of global challenges, particularly referencing Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine and the shifting attitudes of the U.S. towards Russia. He stated, "Our country's future depends on the cooperation between the government, the president, and the foreign minister. If these elections were only in Poznań, Trzaskowski would win in the first round, so let’s set a good example for others!"
Sikorski, known for his sharp wit, took the opportunity to poke fun at Trzaskowski's language skills, contrasting them with Nawrocki's past as a nightclub bouncer. He remarked, "Foreign languages are useful, even if you're a bouncer at a club," referring to Nawrocki's earlier career. He also evoked the historical figure Bolesław Chrobry, describing him as a revolutionary who modernized Poland by breaking away from pagan traditions.
However, the event was not without its controversies. Representatives from the Maltańskie district attempted to voice their dissent but were removed from the rally by security personnel and party activists, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding the election.
Earlier in the week, on April 25, Trzaskowski spoke in Gniezno, reinforcing the need for strong ties with the United States to ensure Poland's security. He stated, "If we want to secure our safety, we must have the closest and best relations with the United States; we must remind them that when we were united, we could overcome those who wished us harm."
At 53 years old, Trzaskowski has been the mayor of Warsaw since 2018 and is running for the presidency for the second time, having lost to Duda in the 2020 elections. He holds degrees in international relations and English philology from the University of Warsaw and served as the Minister of Administration and Digitization in Donald Tusk's government.
Despite the fervor of the rally, opportunities for media engagement were limited. After the event, Trzaskowski did not take questions from journalists, a decision that drew criticism. The editorial team from Głos Wielkopolski had made multiple requests for an interview, which remained unanswered, though they expressed hope that he would engage with them before the elections.
Throughout his speech, Trzaskowski emphasized the need for a presidency that prioritizes equality and inclusivity. He stated, "The most important task of the future president is to focus on equality," and stressed that true patriotism is about building connections and extending a hand to all citizens, not dividing them. "We need a politics built on love for all our compatriots," he asserted, urging the audience to reject the divisive tactics employed by PiS.
He concluded his remarks by calling for unity against external threats, stating, "We will win when we all speak with one voice. The enemy is in the east, and prosperity is in the west, where our friends are." Trzaskowski's rally in Poznań showcased his commitment to a vision of Poland that is inclusive and representative of all its citizens, setting the stage for a contentious election ahead.
