In a groundbreaking event for Polish politics, the "Super Express" will host a presidential debate on Monday, April 28, 2025, featuring all 13 candidates vying for the presidency of Poland. This marks the first debate of its kind in the current campaign, with a unique format that allows candidates to directly question one another, departing from traditional media-led questioning.
The debate is set to commence at 18:00 and will last approximately 2.5 hours, streamed live on se.pl, the "Super Express" YouTube channel, and Super Express TV. A special live program will kick off at 17:15, hosted by Grzegorz Zasępa and Marek Balawajder, who will provide insights and context ahead of the main event. Following the debate, Dr. Mirosław Oczkoś will summarize key moments and evaluate candidates' performances.
Among the candidates confirmed to participate are notable figures such as:
- Artur Bartoszewicz – economist
- Magdalena Biejat – Deputy Marshal of the Senate, Left
- Grzegorz Braun – MEP from the Confederation of the Polish Crown
- Szymon Hołownia – Marshal of the Sejm, candidate from the Third Way
- Marek Jakubiak – leader of the Federation for the Republic, MP from the Free Republicans
- Maciej Maciak – leader of the Movement for Prosperity and Peace
- Sławomir Mentzen – leader of the New Hope party, candidate from the Confederation
- Karol Nawrocki – President of the Institute of National Remembrance
- Joanna Senyszyn – former SLD MP
- Krzysztof Stanowski – independent candidate
- Rafał Trzaskowski – Mayor of Warsaw, candidate from the Civic Coalition
- Marek Woch – candidate from the Nonpartisan Local Government
- Adrian Zandberg – MP, candidate from the Together party
This debate is particularly significant as candidates will engage in a format that emphasizes direct interaction, with each candidate posing questions to others rather than relying on journalists to facilitate the discussion. According to the organizers, this approach aims to create a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
"It will be a bloody debate," predicted Tobiasz Bocheński from the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS), who expressed excitement about the potential for impactful moments that could shift the campaign dynamics. Bocheński noted that previous debates have had significant consequences, highlighting memorable interactions and gestures.
Conversely, some candidates are hopeful that the debate will remain substantive. Anita Kucharska-Dziedzic from the Left expressed her desire for a focus on serious issues, suggesting that while the debate may be intense, it should also prioritize meaningful discourse. "We will be watching Magdalena Biejat closely during the debate; she may bring some unexpected moments," Kucharska-Dziedzic stated.
In addition to the "Super Express" debate, several other debates are on the horizon. Another event is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025, organized by wPolsce24, with the theme "The Youth's Rebellion," aiming to give a voice to younger voters. Michał Karnowski, a journalist for wPolsce24, promised that the questions would be challenging, reflecting the candidates' commitment to engaging with the youth.
Further, a debate organized by TVP, TVN, and Polsat is planned for May 12, 2025, just days before the first round of presidential elections on May 18, 2025. Should a second round be necessary, it will take place on June 1, 2025.
As the campaign unfolds, candidates are also initiating their own pre-election meetings. Szymon Hołownia, the candidate from the Third Way, has announced plans for debates with other candidates in the presence of their supporters. Magdalena Biejat responded positively, inviting Hołownia to join her open meeting in Białystok.
Throughout the campaign, several debates have already taken place, with significant discussions occurring in Końskie on April 11, where a series of debates were held. These events have sparked various reactions, particularly concerning the financial aspects of the debates and the dynamics between candidates.
Polling data following these debates indicate a competitive race. A recent Ipsos poll revealed that 28% of Poles would vote for Trzaskowski, while Nawrocki garnered 22%, and Mentzen received 15%. Another Pollster survey for "Super Express" showed that if Trzaskowski and Nawrocki faced off in a second round, Trzaskowski would secure 55% of the vote against Nawrocki's 45%.
As the election date approaches, the stakes are higher than ever, with 13 candidates officially registered by the State Electoral Commission. The upcoming debates and interactions among candidates will undoubtedly shape the final outcomes of this pivotal election.
With the excitement building around the "Super Express" debate, political analysts and viewers alike are eager to see how this innovative format will impact the candidates' standings and the overall trajectory of the presidential race.
