The S7 subject on the Kraków-Thinking episode returns. After the Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak threw all six variants prepared by the Kraków branch of GDDKiA in February 2026, the case again gained momentum. The majority of Wieliczka's inhabitants are disappointed, due to the fact that this means that the east Variant from the Bejezan Node can return to the table again. Routes of S7 through the south of Krakow are opposed by the president of Krakow, although most Krakus, tired of traffic jams, would like to proceed S7 as shortly as possible.
From the latest information, which appeared, among others, on Radio Kraków, it is clear: Kraków is simply boycotting consultations with roadmen. The city authorities do not even want to sit at the table with GDDKiA and openly say that "it would be the second Zakopaneka". This can be seen as a classical "injury" to the General Directorate – the city does not agree to any of the proposed runs and puts a hard veto. Of the six variants (A-F) it was variant E (Tuchowska → Glogoczów → further trace of existing DK7 by Myślenice) was the cheapest – about 2 billion PLN – and predicted the least demolitions (only about 170 properties). This was a "saving" option, utilizing up to the maximum existing infrastructure, with the least interference in private homes and land.
However, Kraków says no to all A-F variants. president Aleksander Miszalski and his squad consistently block any solution that touches the confederate districts of the city even a little. alternatively they opt for... east or Western variants (type Niepołomice or Morawica/Skawina). Only that these variants of GDDKiA have long since rejected as completely meaningless – they are much more expensive, longer, little unload Zakopianka and have a minimal impact on transit traffic (according to analyses, only about 10% of drivers from Tarnow/Rzeszow direction would usage them). It's not a compromise. It's a classical block. Miszalski heads the protests, marches side by side with the opponents of the road and declares “there was no, there is no, and there will be no consent of Krakow to lead S7 through the south of the city”. Effect? The planning process withdrawn by respective years, the GDDKiA office took over the case from the hands of a branch in Kraków, and the residents of Podhala, Myślenice and thousands of drivers are stuck in traffic jams all day on the old Zakopane.In this situation, the blockade of S7 by Miszalski is not only braking a key investment for the full region. This is another very strong reason why Krakow needs a referendum. due to the fact that if the president can block the cheapest and least invasive variant of the road that we have been waiting for decades – that means that it is time for the residents to say “enough”.
Moreover, the blockade of S7 by Miszalski may besides be crucial for his own future. In March 2026, the initiators of the appeal referendum submitted more than 130 000 signatures to the electoral commissioner – more than twice the minimum required. The vote can take place at the turn of May and June 2026. In order for the referendum to be important, about 180 000 krakowians must participate in it.
This referendum will be an interesting poll, which will clearly show how much the people of confederate Krakow are solidarity with president Miszalski in exchange for his tough blockade of S7. If it is those districts that most protest against the road and block the least invasive and cheapest option, they will decide on a mass boycott of voting – attendance may not scope the threshold and Miszalski will last the term. However, looking pragmatically, it is simply a movement that is politically unprofitable – the strength of the people of confederate Krakow is besides tiny to overpower the vast majority of Krakus who would like to go to the mountains without traffic jams. However, the fundamental question is – is president Miszalski truly so politically unreasonable that he defends a comparatively tiny group of residents? Or, as they carry rumours, are the weapons of businessmen who have invested in areas in the South of Krakow that could lose value by S7? The second seems more "reasonable" and "payable", although we do not know how actual it is.
The S7 block adds to the “anti-car” patch that president Miszalski has. After the introduction of the Clean Transport region and the increase of parking fees, which infuriated residents and encouraged referendal action, now there is an obstacle to the construction of the S7 way Kraków-Myślenice.
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