Krzysztof Gawkowski from the New Left, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, admitted in “Kropka nad i” on TVN24 that he did not want to run for president, but did not rule out such an eventuality. He said that there are “a lot” of people in his party who could run in the presidential race. He said that the party's decision on this matter would be made at the turn of December and January.
Szymon HołowniaSpeaker of the Sejm and Chairman of Poland 2050, announced his participation in the presidential elections during a meeting with voters in Jędrzejów.
He commented on this decision in “Kropka nad i” on TVN24 Krzysztof Gawkowski – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs (New Left). He said that this declaration “is probably not a surprise to anyone.” – The Marshal has been emphasizing for many weeks that he will run for office. For me, this is no surprise, (it's) simply the fulfillment of all the promises that were made, he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also referred to Hołownia's words about being an “independent” candidate. – I don't think there are any independent candidates today, no matter how we position ourselves on the political scene. Because if the Left nominates someone and we nominate a candidate for president, he will be the Left's candidate – he added.
Gawkowski: we want to announce our candidate with great pomp
He also talked about how the Left intends to announce its presidential candidate. – We want to announce our candidate with great pomp, because we think it is important to start the presidential march well in the presidential elections – he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister was asked whether he could run in the presidential race himself. – I do not want to run for president because I have an important role in the government and I have been saying this for many weeks and months. Nothing can ever be ruled out, because the perspective is that political parties make decisions within their institutions, bodies, party members, and people who have been cooperating with us for years, he explained.
Gawkowski: the decision regarding our candidate will be made at the turn of December and January
Gawkowski announced that the Left's decision on the candidate will be made at the turn of December and January. – We will definitely put forward a candidate. There are also great candidates. I Magda Biejat, i Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk they really are great. Candidates are also applying, he assured, but when asked about their names, he did not mention any specific names except his own. – Over the last few months, the Left has been saying directly that it will field a candidate. I am not closing this process. I'm not saying it will end this way, but there are many candidates on the Left. We also believe that we have something to talk about, about our successes in government. We have been in this government for a year, Gawkowski continued.
As the successes of his party in the government so far, the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned more money for the “Active Parent” program, money for Social Welfare Homes, a raise for teachers, increases in the budget sector, and a widow's pension. – The left has settled a lot, and what lies ahead of us are apartments – he added.
Gawkowski: I have the impression that there is more ingratitude than gratitude on the Ukrainian side
The Deputy Prime Minister also referred to the current relations with Ukraine. The authorities in Kiev want Poland to shoot down missiles flying towards our country before they even enter the territory of the Republic of Poland.
Gawkowski said that “Ukraine should be more grateful to Poland, it should pay Poland this gratitude.” – And until now I have the impression that there is more ingratitude – he added. He recalled that the Polish side provided Ukraine with numerous military equipment.
– I believe that the Ukrainian society here in Poland is grateful because it is visible. But the Ukrainian authorities often use the bad narrative against Poland, and it is getting stronger. And I don't agree to it, he continued.
– As a politician previously of the opposition, and today of the ruling camp, I know how much we helped, how much we supported, how much we support. We are the greatest ambassador of Ukrainian interests in Europe and the world. We want Ukraine's presence in NATO and someone should be able to say: “thank you for that”, and not use words that come from the mouths of Ukrainian politicians – said the TVN24 guest.
Gawkowski: I have the impression that there is more ingratitude on the Ukrainian side than gratitude for what Poland has doneTVN24
Main photo source: TVN24