Record Number Of Candidates Register For Polish Presidential Elections

As Poland gears up for its presidential elections, the political landscape has become increasingly dynamic following the recent registration of 52 candidates for the upcoming race. The deadline for candidates to register their election committees and submit at least 1,000 signatures was March 24, 2025. With the election date set for May 18, 2025, and a potential second round on June 1, the stage is set for a highly competitive electoral battle.

Following the March 24 deadline, the National Electoral Commission (PKW) has confirmed that 44 candidates have successfully registered their committees. Among the notable names are Artur Bartoszewicz, an academic from the Warsaw School of Economics, Grzegorz Braun, a Member of the European Parliament, and Rafał Trzaskowski, the current president of Warsaw. These candidates represent a mix of political affiliations and independent platforms, reflecting the diverse political sentiments across the country.

As of March 25, the approved candidates include:

• Artur Bartoszewicz (51 years old), an independent academic


• Grzegorz Braun (58 years old), leader of the Confederation of the Polish Crown


• Szymon Hołownia (48 years old), leader of Poland 2050


• Sławomir Mentzen (38 years old), leader of New Hope


• Karol Nawrocki (42 years old), supported by the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS)


• Rafał Trzaskowski (53 years old), deputy leader of the Civic Platform


• Adrian Zandberg (45 years old), co-chairman of the Razem party

The next key date in the election calendar is April 4, 2025, when candidates must submit 100,000 signatures to the PKW to confirm their candidacy. This requirement presents a significant challenge, especially for independent candidates, as securing such a large number of endorsements typically favors those affiliated with larger political parties.

Despite the challenges, some candidates have already begun gathering the necessary support. On March 26, Marek Woch, representing the Nonpartisan Local Government Activists, and Maciej Maciak, leader of the Prosperity and Peace Movement, submitted their signatures. The following day, Joanna Senyszyn, an independent candidate, and Magdalena Biejat from the Left party also added their names to the growing list of hopefuls.

Potential candidates who may still enter the race include Marek Jakubiak, a member of the Republican Party, and Piotr Szumlewicz, leader of the Union Alternative. If these candidates successfully gather the required signatures, Poland could see a record 15 candidates vying for the presidency, including two women for the first time in history.

Polling data released by the Pollster Institute for Super Express in early March indicates that the race is shaping up to be closely contested. As of the latest figures, Trzaskowski leads with 37% support, followed by Mentzen at 22% and Nawrocki at 21%. These numbers suggest a competitive environment where voters will be closely watching the candidates' platforms and campaign strategies in the coming weeks.

The PKW is expected to announce the official list of candidates on April 28, 2025, following the final submission deadline. This announcement will be crucial as candidates ramp up their campaigns and begin to engage with voters across the country.

In the lead-up to the elections, political analysts note that the candidates' ability to mobilize their respective bases and appeal to undecided voters will be pivotal. The debates and public appearances scheduled in the coming months will serve as critical platforms for candidates to showcase their policies and vision for Poland's future.

As the election date approaches, the political atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The outcome of the 2025 presidential elections could significantly impact Poland's direction, especially considering the ongoing debates about economic policies, social issues, and foreign relations.

In conclusion, the 2025 presidential elections in Poland promise to be one of the most significant political events in recent years, with a diverse array of candidates and a highly engaged electorate. With the stakes high, all eyes will be on the candidates as they navigate the challenges ahead in their quest for the presidency.