In a sharply worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Żulczyk commented on Karol Nawrocki, the right-wing candidate endorsed by populist Law and Justice (PiS), suggesting voters had been cynically shortchanged by party leader Jarosław Kaczyński.
‘That’s what you deserve’: Polish writer skewers presidential hopeful
I feel sorry for PiS voters - sincerely, with no 'schadenfreude', Żulczyk wrote. Kaczyński handed you a powdered street thug with the morality of a small-time hustler and said: ‘That’s what you deserve.’
The author dismissed expected counterarguments comparing Nawrocki with his centrist, pro-EU rival, Rafał Trzaskowski, acknowledging Trzaskowski’s flaws but urging voters to reflect on the choices before them:
Yes, Trzaskowski is what he is, with all his missteps and elitist tone. Yes, he already lost once. But come on - just look at this guy. Stop twisting yourselves into knots. The party you're voting for is called ‘Law and Justice.’
From bookshelves to ballots: Żulczyk’s political jab stirs Poland
Żulczyk’s remarks come amid the release of his new novel Kandydat (The Candidate), a political fiction that probes the behind-the-scenes machinations of a presidential campaign.
The book has quickly climbed national bestseller lists, with retailers reporting sold-out stocks and emergency reprints.
Known for his unflinching social commentary and previous legal battle with President Andrzej Duda - who sued him for calling him a “moron” on Facebook - Żulczyk remains one of Poland’s most prominent literary voices. The court ultimately dismissed the case, ruling that his statement fell within the bounds of free speech.
Reflecting on the novel’s reception, Żulczyk said: It’s a deeply moving moment. Especially because this book - one that I believe is truly good - is also about things we’ve all grown tired of.
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Source: X/@Jakubzulczyk