TVP, TVN and Polsat will organise a joint presidential debate 2025

Warsaw, 31 March 2025. – 3 biggest Polish tv stations: Television Poland, TVN and Polsat, prepare a joint presidential debate before the May election. This is the first initiative of this kind in the past of Polish electoral campaigns, which, if it happens, can importantly influence the course of the final phase of the campaign.

Photo Matt C / unsplash

As proposed, the debate would take place 12 May at 8:00 p.m., six days before the first circular of voting. Only candidates who have collected the required 100 000 signatures of support will be allowed to participate, which is simply a condition for registration in the presidential election.

Candidates declare willing to participate

The most crucial candidates have already declared themselves to participate in the debate. Rafał Trzaskowski, representing the Civic Coalition, stressed the request for substantive discussion. Karol Nawrocki, a candidate for Law and Justice, called for a debate on State security, proposing it to be conducted in Koński.

Sławomir Mentzen with the Confederation stated on social media that he expected a programme confrontation, and Simon HolovniaThe 3rd Way candidate expressed his willingness to participate in an open dialogue, in peculiar with Mentzen. besides Magdalena Biejat from fresh Left and Adrian Zandberg Together they announced that they were ready for debate.

Presidential debate 2025 – a joint initiative of 3 broadcasters

Joint initiative TVP, TVN and Polsatu This event is unprecedented. So far, presidential debates have been organised separately by individual editorial offices, which frequently led to tensions and resignations from any candidates. The 2020 situation can be recalled erstwhile Andrzej Duda did not participate in the debate organised by TVN and Onet, and Rafał Trzaskowski refused to participate in the TVP debate in Koński.

The planned cooperation of the largest broadcasters can break the current constraints and contribute to a more pluralistic and balanced discussion formula.

Legal framework and importance of the event

According to Article 120 of the Electoral Code, tv Poland, as a public broadcaster, is obliged to organise at least 1 presidential debate during the campaign. Guidelines National Broadcasting Council require equal access for all candidates.

TVN and Polsat's participation in the event can importantly grow the debate and influence the level of public interest. The final details of the format, conduct and places of debate are to be announced in the coming days.

When's the 2025 presidential election?

First circular of presidential elections will take place 18 May 2025., a possible second circular – June 1. If the debate is organised as planned, it will become 1 of the most crucial moments of the final phase of the campaign, offering voters the chance to straight compare candidates and their programmes.

In the context of increasing political polarisation, a joint debate may be of crucial importance for the quality of public debate and the way citizens make electoral decisions.

DF, thefad.pl / Source: PAP, TVP Info, RMF24, Rzeczpospolita, Press.pl