In a forthright interview with Polish news outlet Onet.pl, the former First Lady expressed strong disapproval over the controversy surrounding Karol Nawrocki - head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and the presidential candidate backed by the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party, now in opposition.
Kwaśniewska condemns “tragic farce” of presidential race
“My emotions have boiled over,” she said. “I look at some candidates who have gathered 100,000 signatures and wonder why they are even running. It’s a tragic farce – a mockery of the race for the highest office in the country.”
“I look at Mr. Stanowski and I cannot understand how someone like him is running,” she continued. “I have watched the presidential debates and I am fully informed. My astonishment is beyond belief. A candidate like Mr. Nawrocki, we have probably never seen before. Well, maybe apart from Stanisław Tymiński,” Kwaśniewska admitted.
Kwaśniewska compares PiS-backed Nawrocki to populist outsider Stan Tymiński
Kwaśniewska specifically criticized Nawrocki, drawing a comparison to Stanisław Tymiński, a political outsider and populist businessman who shocked Poland in 1990 by making it to the presidential runoff against Lech Wałęsa, surpassing well-established figures like then-Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki.
Tymiński, often referred to as "a man from nowhere," briefly captured public frustration with promises of rapid economic transformation and national wealth.
While Nawrocki’s controversial background – including alleged ties to underworld figures – has raised serious concerns, Kwaśniewska noted that his core supporters remain unfazed.
“There is so much anger in me that the hardline PiS electorate wants to put this man in the presidency. It’s horrifying,” she said.
Archival photo of Stan Tymiński, 1990. Credit: PAP/Adam Urbanek
Call to action: “Use your vote wisely”
Despite her frustration, Kwaśniewska expressed confidence in the wisdom of Polish voters and their ability to "weigh things carefully."
In a final appeal, she urged those considering abstaining from the vote to reconsider.
“Ignoring politics can lead to serious consequences,” she warned, referencing the eight years of PiS rule prior to the current campaign. “Don’t waste your vote - it’s your right and your privilege. Use it wisely. I’m counting on you,” she added.
(m p)
Source: Onet.pl/X/@onetpl