President Andrzej Duda surprised everyone by appearing at Karol Nawrocki’s convention in Łódź. His unambiguous support for the candidate may reshape the dynamics of the 2025 presidential campaign.
Duda at Nawrocki’s convention – symbolic support
On Sunday, 27 April 2025, Andrzej Duda was the guest of honour at the convention of Karol Nawrocki, the PiS candidate for president. The event took place three weeks before the first round of voting and was meant to mobilise supporters and party activists. The president’s presence had not been announced in advance, which further raised the profile of the meeting.
Duda’s speech – a message for voters
In his speech, Andrzej Duda stressed how important it is to continue the current policy. He recalled the achievements of the United Right government, including social programmes and the modernisation of the army. He also referred to the values that connected him with Lech Kaczyński, and warned of threats to democracy and media freedom.
The president expressed his conviction that Karol Nawrocki is a guarantor of an honest, democratic Poland and of development on the international stage. He appealed to convention participants to mobilise in a way similar to the campaigns of 2015 and 2020.
What does Duda’s endorsement of Nawrocki mean?
Although Andrzej Duda avoided official involvement in the election throughout the campaign, his presence and words at the convention are read as a clear signal of support for Nawrocki. Earlier, the president had emphasised that the ideas and values represented by Nawrocki are particularly close to him, especially on questions of historical and social policy.
Reactions and political significance
- Duda’s endorsement may strengthen Nawrocki’s position among centre-right voters.
- It is a clear signal to PiS supporters and undecided voters that the current president sees Nawrocki as his successor.
- The gesture may mobilise electorate that until now has been sceptical of the „civic” character of Nawrocki’s candidacy.
Key points of Duda’s speech
- Emphasis on the importance of media freedom and honest elections
- Warning against external interference and disinformation
- Appeal for unity and mobilisation similar to previous campaigns
- Indication of the need to continue the policy of Lech Kaczyński
Will Duda’s endorsement change the course of the campaign?
Karol Nawrocki, although backed by PiS, has so far been seen as a less recognisable candidate than his rivals. Public support from Andrzej Duda may nonetheless prove crucial in the final phase of the campaign, particularly in the context of mobilising the electorate and building trust in the candidate.
It is worth noting that in previous weeks the president avoided unequivocal declarations, stressing only the closeness of views. Now, however, in front of thousands of viewers and the media, he has symbolically passed the baton to his successor.
Andrzej Duda’s endorsement of Karol Nawrocki is not only a political gesture, but also a clear signal to voters that the stake of these elections is the continuation of current policy and values. Will this move tip the scales to victory? We will find out soon.
