Sławomir Mentzen, the candidate for the presidency from the Konfederacja party, is garnering significant attention as his campaign progresses toward the upcoming Polish presidential elections scheduled for May 18, 2025. After officially registering as a candidate, Mentzen has been actively engaging with voters across the country, promoting his vision of a strong, secure, and prosperous Poland.
On February 22, 2025, during his presidential convention, Mentzen made heartfelt remarks about his commitment to the campaign. "I promised my wife I wouldn’t ask for her engagement if there wasn’t a chance of making it to the runoff. Today, my wife Agnieszka stands with us. You know what this means? We’re fighting for the runoff," he stated, showcasing his personal investment and determination.
The following day, Mentzen continued his tour, visiting the Łomża region, where he met with residents from Kolno, Zambrow, and Wysokie Mazowieckie. There, he expressed his perspective on Poland’s current situation, stating, "Indeed, many good things have come out of this Poland, and we can be proud of many things. Poland is safe, much safer than Western Europe." Mentzen emphasized his belief in the country's security, juxtaposing it with concerns about politicians failing to manage resources adequately.
Pushing against the backdrop of bureaucratic inefficiencies, Mentzen criticized politicians for wastefulness. "The politicians, no matter what they undertake, simply don’t work," he remarked to the gathered crowd, voicing his frustrations over the government’s handling of medical services and legal chaos. He noted the poor quality of healthcare, attributing it to political mismanagement.
Throughout his speeches, Mentzen has addressed pressing contemporary issues, including the advancements of artificial intelligence, stating, "They are wasting more on toilet paper than they do on AI," when referencing government spending priorities. He ridiculed the government’s climate policies, arguing they led to rising electricity prices and advocated for nuclear energy as part of his broader energy plan.
Migrant issues have also been pivotal to his campaign, where he pointed to social crime patterns associated with immigration, stating, "The cultures are not the same. [...] This propensity for violence may transpose to Europe." Despite acknowledging the past Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s stance on immigration, he questioned the sincerity behind proposals for opening Centers for Foreign Integration.
Mentzen, who previously had about 6% support, now claims his backing has surged to over 20%. "I am convinced we will build a strong, safe Poland, sitting rightly among the major European nations," he declared during his rallying speeches.
Notably, he plans to visit various Podkarpacie towns on February 23, including Ropczyce, Strzyżów, Kolbuszowa, Jarosław, and Przeworsk. These events reflect his strategy to connect with voters directly and invite questions about his vision. Mentzen’s platform emphasizes key areas: national security, economic reforms, and educational improvements, all aimed at fostering growth and innovation.
His campaign slogan encapsulates his aspirations: "I dream of strong, proud, wealthy and safe Poland." He insists on simplifying taxes to create a friendly environment for businesses and advocating for polices fostering innovation.
Each public meeting also allows for personal interaction, where attendees can take photos with him, significantly amplifying personal engagements. Every handshake and shared moment is part of the subtle campaign strategy to convert these interactions to votes.
The political climate surrounding Mentzen’s campaign has not been without challenges. Political analysts, including Prof. Andrzej Zybała from the Warsaw School of Economics, speculate on his rising popularity, noting he stands as the third most recognized candidate after current frontrunners.
Zybała emphasized, "Sławomir Mentzen continues to move forward. His position as the third most popular candidate appears secure as he approaches 20%. Many voters from the right may be drawn to his rhetoric, particularly as the current ruling party’s candidate does not seem to attract the expected support.", highlighting the shift in political dynamics favorable to Mentzen.
Despite the intense competition and complex political environment, Sławomir Mentzen remains steadfast. With his grassroots outreach strategy and the distinctive appeal of his political messaging, he aims to carve out space among Poland’s political elite, heralding potential changes to the nation’s leadership on the horizon.
Pending future engagements, such as the promised multiple town visits, Mentzen remains poised for the challenges of the coming months, drawing closer to voters across Poland. The anticipated momentum of his campaign could set new precedents, questioning established party politics as the elections approach.
With the Polish presidential race intensifying, all eyes will be on Mentzen as he seeks to solidify his standing and challenge the electoral norms within the political theatre of Poland.