On Monday evening, the first debate of this campaign featuring all presidential candidates took place. We have gathered the most important quotes and moments from this unique clash, which we covered live on our profile on X (formerly Twitter).
New debate format and full list of candidates
The Super Express debate was the first meeting in which all registered candidates took part – as many as thirteen people. The unusual format meant that the candidates themselves asked each other questions, not journalists. Each had 30 seconds to ask a question and 90 seconds to answer, followed by the option of a rebuttal.
Among the participants were, among others, Rafał Trzaskowski, Szymon Hołownia, Karol Nawrocki, Sławomir Mentzen, Magdalena Biejat, Grzegorz Braun, Joanna Senyszyn, Marek Jakubiak and Krzysztof Stanowski.
Key quotes and themes of the debate
Security and Poland’s independence
Karol Nawrocki stressed the need for a strong, 300,000-strong army and independence from foreign influence. He pointed out that his “Plan 21” was developed in consultations with Poles and is a response to difficult times:
- “I will be the voice of all those Poles who want to live in prosperity and want to live in a Poland that is safe, with an army of at least 300,000 Polish soldiers.”
- “Poland today needs a strong president for difficult times.”
Nawrocki also emphasised that the president should be independent of “German foundations” and of politicians such as Donald Tusk.
Social issues and human rights
Magdalena Biejat of the Left called for strengthening the Left in government and stressed the importance of human rights:
- “Voting for me is voting for freedom, social justice, and human rights.”
- “Today we announced the launch of a pilot programme to shorten working hours with the same pay.”
- “People have the right to rest, they have the right to take care of their parents, they have the right for us to stop being the most overworked nation in the world.”
Worldview disputes and sharp exchanges
Grzegorz Braun, as controversial as ever, said:
- “Without God, not a step forward – this is Poland and so it shall remain.”
- “Let us regain independence, because without independence we will become a nation marginalised in its own country. Ukrainianisation, Islamisation, Judaisation, bankruptcy in instalments, the Green Deal. All of this must be reversed, we must return to coal, to normality.”
There were also strong words on abortion, women’s rights and attitudes towards minorities. Biejat asked Mentzen about cases of rape and the right to abortion, while Joanna Senyszyn asked about abolishing the Church Fund.
Foreign policy and security
Karol Nawrocki addressed the situation in the military and the decline in conscription dynamics.
Economy and everyday matters
The candidates debated taxes, social programmes and housing. Biejat stressed that “most people, especially the young, can at best dream of an apartment”, while Nawrocki warned against a cadastral tax.
The most exciting moments
- A heated clash between Szymon Hołownia and Sławomir Mentzen over standards in State Treasury companies and over electoral prospects.
- Maciej Maciak caused controversy by admitting that he “admires Vladimir Putin”, which was immediately criticised by other candidates.
- Grzegorz Braun and Sławomir Mentzen raised the topic of Israel’s influence on Polish politics, sparking a heated discussion about the limits of public debate.
A debate that showed diversity
The Super Express debate showed how broad the spectrum of views represented by the presidential candidates is. From security, through human rights, to the economy – each of them had the chance to present their position and confront it with their rivals.
This clash showed that the choice in the coming elections does not boil down to a simple division between PiS and PO, and the debate was an opportunity to ask difficult questions and hear genuine answers.
Coverage on X
We quoted most of the statements from the debate for you live on our account on X (formerly Twitter).
