During the live broadcast, Trzaskowski - running for president with the ruling Civic Coalition (KO) - presented Nawrocki, the candidate supported by opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), with a sealed envelope.
The moment referenced a housing scandal involving Nawrocki and has since become one of the debate’s most talked-about highlights.
A housing scandal and a symbolic gesture
The controversy centers on Nawrocki’s acquisition of a small apartment from an 80-year-old man named Jerzy, in exchange for a promise of lifelong care. Critics accuse Nawrocki of neglecting this commitment, after Mr Jerzy ended up in a care home without the agreed support.
Trzaskowski has now confirmed that the envelope contained the bank account details of the social care facility where Mr Jerzy currently resides.
Alongside this, the envelope also included a card with a quote from Władysław Bartoszewski (1922-2015), a renowned Polish diplomat, historian, and Auschwitz survivor, remembered for his unwavering commitment to human rights, dignity, and reconciliation: If you don't know how to behave, behave decently.
Trzaskowski described the gesture as a direct appeal for Nawrocki to “do the right thing” and contribute to Mr Jerzy’s care. “This is the last chance, a proposal to act honestly,” Trzaskowski said as he handed over the envelope.
Political ethics under scrutiny
In response, Nawrocki released a video defending his version of events, presenting letters from Mr Jerzy that appeared to request assistance with purchasing his municipal apartment.
However, Polish investigative journalists have pointed out inconsistencies in Nawrocki’s timeline, suggesting the transaction began earlier than he claimed, and questioning whether the elderly man was properly supported.
While the Civic Coalition has framed the issue as a question of personal integrity rather than political rivalry, the incident has reignited public debates about accountability and ethics in Polish politics, just days before the first round of the presidential election.
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Source: IAR