On November 22, 2024, the Civic Coalition (Koalicja Obywatelska, KO), the current ruling political party in Poland led by Donald Tusk, held its much-anticipated primaries to select a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2025 elections. All KO members took part in this internal vote, a test of the party’s democratic procedures and its ability to unite behind a formidable candidate to retake the presidential palace from the incumbent PiS-backed Andrzej Duda. Rafał Trzaskowski won an overwhelming victory with 74.75% of the vote against Radosław Sikorski’s 25.25%.
During the weeks-long primary campaign, both candidates took part in internal consultations, public meetings, and media interviews. By placing a strong emphasis on openness, pluralism, and free choice in the candidate selection process, the process sought to represent the democratic values of the Civic Coalition. The operation was largely planned by party leader Donald Tusk, who presented it as an example of KO’s commitment to grassroots decision-making. The vote took place on November 22 and the results were announced the following day, marking a major turning point in the party’s preparations for the presidential election.
Rafał Trzaskowski, the incumbent mayor of Warsaw, has been considered the party’s favorite since 2020 when he narrowly lost to the PiS candidate, incumbent President Andrzej Duda. Trzaskowski is known in Polish politics for his progressive policies and capable leadership, particularly his support for the rule of law and pro-European views. During his time as mayor, he demonstrated his ability to manage complex urban issues and crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the wave of refugees fleeing Ukraine in response to the 2022 invasion.
Over the past few years, most of his initiatives outside city government have been aimed at younger, urban voters. In order to appeal to the liberal members of the coalition, Trzaskowski emphasized throughout the primaries his vision of a Poland that supports modernization and European integration.
Former Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, on the other hand, presented himself as an experienced diplomat who prioritized national unity and pragmatism. By outlining a centrist strategy that sought to combine liberal principles with conservative sensibilities, his statement sought to reconcile political divisions. Although Sikorski’s extensive background in international politics served as a pillar of his campaign, he struggled to inspire the party’s base and win over its younger members.
According to the voting results, Trzaskowski’s leadership and vision were clearly preferred by KO members. Trzaskowski’s victory was not only a personal one but also demonstrated the coalition’s overall approach and gave him a strong, unquestionable mandate with almost three-quarters of the vote. Despite his defeat, Sikorski pledged his support to Trzaskowski and urged the party to unite in order to mount a formidable challenge to the PiS in the next election.
As the Civic Coalition moves forward, Trzaskowski faces the monumental task of building a voter base capable of challenging PiS’s hold on the presidential palace. The primaries have strengthened his position as a leader who can mobilize support across different segments of Polish society. However, the road to the presidency is fraught with challenges, including consolidating forces within all the parties of the democratic coalition and running a successful six-month campaign. Only then will he be able to compete successfully with the PiS candidate, the current head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), Karol Nawrocki.
Written by Mateusz Gwozdz
Continue exploring:
Fullness of Lack and Lack of Fullness: On Creative Approach to Present Challenges
