Complementary elections to the Polish legislature in Krakow have become an arena of political disputes. The Civic Coalition (KO) amazed its coalition, Poland 2050, with the decision to issue Monika Piątkowska as a candidate without prior consultation. This controversial decision caused a storm among Simon Holowna’s politicians who did not hide outrage.
Complementary elections in Krakow: KO breaks the legislature Pact?
On 16 March in Krakow there will be supplementary elections to the Polish legislature in constituency no. 33, comprising 10 districts of the city. Registered committees had until February 5 to submit candidates. The Citizen Coalition has decided to exhibit Monika Piątkowska, who in the past was associated with SLD, PSL and Poland 2050, and presently serves as president of the Grain-Past Chamber.
This decision was taken without consulting Poland 2050, which, according to this party, constitutes a violation of the legislature Pact. “As Poland 2050, we were amazed to adopt the one-sided, unconsulted decision of the Civic Coalition to present Ms Monika Piątkowska as a candidate in the supplementary elections to the Polish Senate”, wrote Rafał Komarewicz, president of the Krakow parliamentary team.
Poland 2050: ‘This is not a joint candidate’
Poland 2050 emphasises that the decision of the KO violates the principles of cooperation which were in force during the 15 October elections. “There is no individual among registered candidates that we could support with full responsibility,” Komarewicz added. The organization of Szymon Holowna besides expressed the belief that voters would decide which candidate best represents the interests of Krakow.
Simon Holovnia had already pointed out that the legislature Pact only made sense erstwhile coalitions jointly decided on candidates. “This pact was in force even a fewer months ago, erstwhile there were supplementary elections in Włocławek,” recalled the leader of Poland 2050.
Adrian Zandberg comments: "The Platform is simply a Platform"
The controversy surrounding the Piątkowski candidacy was besides commented by Adrian Zandberg of the organization Together. – Platform is Platform, episode 2137. You are to do what the PO orders, due to the fact that that is “the defence of democracy”. In fact, it is good that the public will see what it looks like in practice," Zandberg stated, highlighting the authoritarian kind of KO action.
What about the legislature Pact?
The Citizen Coalition's decision put the future of cooperation under the legislature Pact in question. Poland 2050 makes it clear that it will not support a candidate who was not selected in agreement with the coalitions. “We believe that our voters know precisely which of the candidates best knows the problems of Krakow and its inhabitants,” Komarewicz concluded.
Complementary elections in Krakow can become a test not only for local politicians, but besides for the cohesion of the opposition block. Will KO be able to defend its decision and Poland 2050 will gain voter support? We will learn the answer on March 16.
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Poland 2050 amazed by the decision of KO: “You are to do what the PO orders”
