Rival candidates have weighed in on the controversy, with several accusing Nawrocki of exploiting a vulnerable senior and calling for stronger legal protections against property fraud targeting the elderly.
Here's how other contenders in Poland’s presidential race have reacted to the scandal involving Nawrocki.
Magdalena Biejat
Left-wing candidate Magdalena Biejat wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Karol Nawrocki’s exploitation of Mr. Jerzy - an elderly man with a disability - was simply heartless. There is no place in politics, and certainly not in the Presidential Palace, for someone who behaves like this. Nawrocki must answer in court for what he has done. A formal complaint has already been filed with the prosecutor's office - now it's time for justice to be done.”
Szymon Hołownia
“We disagree with Karol Nawrocki. His housing policy is about exploiting an elderly man to acquire his property,” said Szymon Hołownia, Speaker of the Sejm (the lower house of the Polish parliament), via social media.
Hołownia, who had previously invited Nawrocki to provide explanations before the parliamentary justice committee, announced that Nawrocki is expected to appear for a hearing on Friday, May 9.
Rafał Trzaskowski
Rafał Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw and candidate from the Civic Coalition (KO), speaking on Radio ZET, commented on the controversy surrounding Karol Nawrocki, stating: "Of course, helping others is important, but it’s best to do so selflessly. I’m not entirely convinced by his explanations, which change every five minutes."
Sławomir Mentzen
Sławomir Mentzen, a far-right candidate from the Confederation party, condemned Karol Nawrocki’s actions, describing the acquisition of an apartment from an elderly, disabled man as "heartless." Mentzen further criticized PiS for defending Nawrocki’s actions, stating that tolerating such behavior is harmful to Poland’s political integrity.
Mentzen accused PiS of prioritizing party interests over the country's welfare and suggested Nawrocki’s candidacy could jeopardize the party’s chances in the second round of the presidential election.
Adrian Zandberg
Left-wing candidate Adrian Zandberg has questioned the legitimacy of Karol Nawrocki’s property deal, asking if Nawrocki actually paid the elderly man in accordance with the notarial deed. He expressed confusion over the conflicting versions of the story, and while acknowledging that the transaction may be legally valid, Zandberg argued that, on a human level, it is indefensible.
Joanna Senyszyn
Left-wing candidate Joanna Senyszyn described Karol Nawrocki as "a candidate from hell" who should not be running. She argued that Poland deserves a president with a clean past, someone who doesn't lie and speaks the truth.
Krzysztof Stanowski
Journalist Krzysztof Stanowski, who approaches his presidential bid with a hint of irony, dedicated one of the longer segments of his popular YouTube show to the Nawrocki scandal.
Marek Jakubiak
Marek Jakubiak, a candidate from the right-wing Free Republicans party, commented on the Nawrocki scandal during a Polsat News interview, suggesting that the whole issue is "fabricated."
He stated, "In my opinion, it's orchestrated. Such things don't suddenly come to light just days before the election. Let's not be naive," adding that while the authorities claim no involvement, "what else would they say?"
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Source: X/@MagdaBiejat/@szymon_holownia/@SlawomirMentzen/@ZandbergRAZEM/@tvp_info/@Radio_ZET
Polsat News/YouTube.com/@KanalZeroPL