In a charged atmosphere during the 'Super Express' presidential debate on April 28, 2025, Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate from the Civic Coalition (KO), made a striking statement by displaying a Polish flag at his podium. This flag, he claimed, was the same one brought by his opponent, Karol Nawrocki, to a previous debate in Końskie, where it was reportedly abandoned after the lights went out.
Trzaskowski's gesture was laden with historical significance, as he emphasized the importance of not abandoning a flag, particularly in the context of Poland's military history. "Everyone knows what it means to abandon a flag on the battlefield. Anyone who is interested in history or has been in scouting understands that flags should not be abandoned, and that's why I have it here today," he stated during the debate.
The backdrop to this incident dates back to April 11, 2025, when Nawrocki, representing the Law and Justice party (PiS), brought both a Polish flag and a rainbow flag to the debate in Końskie. He placed the Polish flag on his podium while the rainbow flag was positioned in front of Trzaskowski, which stirred controversy at the time. Following the debate, the rainbow flag was taken by Magdalena Biejat from the Left party, who expressed pride in its symbolism.
During the recent debate, Adrian Zandberg from the Left party posed a question to Trzaskowski, prompting him to explain the presence of the Polish flag. Trzaskowski seized the moment to recount the story of how Nawrocki had left it behind, framing it as a symbol of neglect and a lack of patriotism. The remark not only highlighted the rivalry between the candidates but also struck a chord with voters who value national symbols.
After the debate, Nawrocki responded to Trzaskowski's comments, asserting that he had left the flag in Końskie to symbolize Poland's victory. "I wanted to show that Poland won in Końskie. Polish soldiers planted the Polish flag at Monte Cassino and in many other places, so Końskie, which was captured, had its white-red flag. I hope this flag will prompt Trzaskowski to reflect on Poland," he remarked, attempting to redirect the narrative.
The exchange over the flags has not only intensified the debate but has also drawn attention to the candidates' differing interpretations of patriotism. Cezary Tomczyk and Barbara Nowacka, both from the opposition, took to social media to criticize Nawrocki for leaving the flag behind, with Tomczyk stating, "This is key evidence! The facts are clear! Nawrocki abandoned the flag of his own country!" Meanwhile, Nowacka added, "You don't leave Poland. You don't leave flags either, Mr. Nawrocki. Pretend patriots from PiS."
Piotr Witwicki, one of the debate moderators, confirmed the flag's abandonment after reviewing his photos from the event. "I was a bit incredulous that the flag was left behind, but I started going through my archive photos from the debate, and indeed, it is in the background," he noted.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the symbolism of flags in Polish society, especially in the context of the upcoming presidential elections. With national pride and identity at the forefront, candidates are increasingly using such symbols to resonate with voters.
The debate itself was filled with emotional moments and unexpected events, reflecting the heightened stakes as the election approaches. Candidates are aware that every gesture, every symbol, can sway public opinion. Trzaskowski's decision to bring the flag into the debate was a calculated move, aiming to remind voters of the importance of national pride and the values associated with it.
As the election date draws closer, the significance of such exchanges will likely continue to influence the political landscape. With candidates like Trzaskowski and Nawrocki engaging in symbolic battles over flags, it becomes clear that the upcoming election is about more than just policy; it’s also a contest of national identity and values.
In a country where history and symbols are deeply intertwined, the debate over the flags is emblematic of the larger ideological battles at play. As voters prepare to make their choices, the implications of these symbolic gestures will resonate far beyond the debate stage, shaping the narrative of the election and the future of Polish politics.
