Tusk said Kraków, Poland's second-largest city, is often praised by foreign visitors, including tourists and international officials, and described the city as a showcase for the country.
"The opportunities for Kraków are opportunities for Poland because a well-managed Kraków, with honest authorities, making good use of money and with selfless people in power—I mean Monika specifically—is also a guarantee that Poland will continue to be a place that delights everyone without exception," Tusk said.
"It is up to us whether Poland will continue to be regarded as an oasis of order, security, cleanliness and good governance," he added.
Tusk acknowledged that Piątkowska had entered the race "under difficult circumstances," following a recall referendum in May that removed then-Mayor Aleksander Miszalski, also of the Civic Coalition.
"To be an ambitious mayor of an ambitious city after everything it has been through is a job for a hero," Tusk said, referring to Piątkowska.
"When I saw her determination, it impressed me. I know it would be good for such a city to have a mayor who is not afraid of anything," he added.
Tusk said "a prosperous, well-managed Kraków with high aspirations" would benefit the whole country. He also pointed to the city’s technological ambitions and the challenges artificial intelligence could pose for jobs and the labour market.
"Here in Kraków, we will work out how to use modern technologies in a way that does not threaten jobs," Tusk said.
He added that ensuring technology and AI serve people rather than become a threat was one of his government's key goals.
"This will be good, strong, genuine leadership for Kraków," Tusk said of Piątkowska.
The election for Kraków mayor is scheduled for Sunday, with seven candidates on the ballot.
Piątkowska, who is also backed by the Polish People's Party (PSL), the junior partner in Tusk's government, said last weekend that numerous social media accounts were being used to discredit her ahead of the September 27 vote.
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Source: IAR/PAP