On Monday night, the first debate of all presidential candidates was held on this campaign. We have collected for you the most important quotes and moments from this unique clash that we have reported live on our profile on X (formerly twitter).
New debate formula and full list of candidates
The Super Express debate was the first meeting attended by all registered candidates – as many as thirteen people. The unusual formula was that it was the candidates themselves who asked themselves questions, not journalists. Everyone had 30 seconds to question and 90 to answer, then the possibility of repost.
Participants included Rafał Trzaskowski, Szymon Hołownia, Karol Nawrocki, Sławomir Mentzen, Magdalena Biejat, Grzegorz Braun, Joanna Senyszyn, Marek Jakubiak and Krzysztof Stanowski.
Key quotes and debate topics
Security and independence of Poland
Karol Nawrocki stressed the need for a strong 300-thousandth army and independence from foreign influences. He pointed out that his programme "Plan 21" was created in consultation with Poles and is a response to difficult times:
- "I will be the voice of all Poles who want to live in prosperity and want to live in Poland safe with at least 300 thousand Polish armies."
- "Poland today needs a strong president for difficult times."
Nawrocki also stressed that the President should be independent of "German foundations" and politicians such as Donald Tusk.
Social Affairs and Human Rights
Magdalena Biejat of the Left called for strengthening the left in the government and stressed the importance of human rights:
- "A voice for me is a voice for freedom, social justice, human rights."
- "Today we announced the launch of a pilot programme to reduce working time at the same pay."
- "People have the right to rest, they have the right to take care of their parents, they have the right to stop being the world's busiest nation."
Worldview disputes and sharp exchanges
Grzegorz Braun, as always controversial, said:
- "Without God nor to the threshold, here is Poland, and so be it."
- "Let us regain our independence because without independence we will become a marginalized nation in our own country. Ukrainianization, Islamization, Judaism, bankruptcy arranged in installments, green order. It all has to be reversed, you have to go back to coal, to normal."
There were also strong words about abortion, women's rights and attitudes towards minorities. Biejat asked Mentzen about rape cases and abortion rights, and Joanna Senyszyn asked for the liquidation of the church fund.
Foreign policy and security
Karol Nawrocki referred to the situation in the military and the decline in the dynamics of the collection.
Economy and daily affairs
The candidates argued over taxes, social programs and housing. Biejat stressed that "most people, especially young people, can dream of living," and Nawrocki warned against cadastral tax.
The Most Exciting Moments
- Sharp short circuit of Hołownia and Mentzen about standards in the State Treasury companies and about election opportunities.
- Maciej Maciak raised controversy by admitting that "the admiration of Vladimir Putin", which met with immediate criticism of other candidates.
- Grzegorz Braun and Sławomir Mentzen raised the issue of Israel's influence on Polish politics, which sparked a stormy discussion about the limits of public debate.
Debate that has shown diversity
The Super Express debate showed how broad the spectrum of views the presidential candidates represent. From the issue of security, through human rights, to the economy – each had a chance to express its position and confront them with competitors.
This clash showed that the election in the upcoming elections did not come down to a simple division into the PiS and the PO, and the debate was an opportunity to address difficult questions and hear authentic answers.
Relationship on X
Most of the speeches from the debate we quoted for you live on our account X (formerly twitter).
