– These are very difficult elections, and it was clear from the very beginning that Poland is divided, polarized, and that this fight would be a razor's edge battle. Rafał Trzaskowski won the first round. I know there were those who thought he would win outright in the first round, but we knew, and you analysts also knew perfectly well, that it would be very close and a razor's edge battle – stated Barbara Nowacka in the program 'Rozmowa Piaseckiego' on TVN24.

– The democratic side lacked mobilization here, and we are really counting on that mobilization. Unity was lacking, but today I see these positive signals: Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz with his strong support, which is very important to us. I hope this will resonate in Polish villages and small towns – she added.

– I deeply believe in it, we have such hope – said Andrzej Śliwka in "Rozmowa o 7:00" on RMF24, when asked if Sławomir Mentzen would endorse Karol Nawrocki.

– One doesn't speak of certain behind-the-scenes matters, but also, to leave no room for doubt, for us, of course, every endorsement is important, including Sławomir Mentzen's, but above all, our priority is for Sławomir Mentzen's voters to vote for Karol Nawrocki – he continued, when asked further if any discussions were underway regarding the issue.

– We are waiting for Mr. Mentzen's press conference – he added.

– No, the decision-maker in this regard is Dr. Karol Nawrocki, who has a personal relationship with Mr. Sławomir Mentzen. I know the gentlemen like each other, I know the gentlemen know each other – said Andrzej Śliwka on RMF24, when asked whether Jarosław Kaczyński would make decisions regarding any potential concessions or what PiS might offer Konfederacja in exchange for supporting Nawrocki.

– We would like this debate to take place with the participation of all major news stations in Poland. Out of respect for the viewer, regardless of whether they watch TVN, Polsat, Republika, wPolsce, Trwam, or TVP in liquidation, we would like everyone to be able to watch it impartially – said Andrzej Śliwka on RMF24.

– Dr. Nawrocki called for it to be a single major debate, and incidentally, this was met with favor by Rafał Trzaskowski's campaign staff, because we discussed this yesterday – he continued.

– Rafał Trzaskowski won't even be Donald Tusk's ballpoint pen; he'll be Donald Tusk's fineliner – he'll sign everything. If Rafał Trzaskowski receives an order from Donald Tusk to send Polish soldiers to Ukraine, he will sign it – said Andrzej Śliwka on RMF24.

– Prime Minister Donald Tusk lies repeatedly, and secondly, we all know perfectly well that Donald Tusk promises one thing to Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, or French President Emmanuel Macron, and does something entirely different in Poland – he continued.

– I am not aware of this information that Mr. Karol Nawrocki vouched for this gentleman – said Andrzej Śliwka on RMF24, when asked about reports from Rzeczpospolita that in 2017, Karol Nawrocki vouched for Grzegorz Horodko, who was sentenced to 60 days in prison and received a ban from entering Denmark.

– I recall the statements that Mr. Horodko issued on his social media, where he indicated that he does not know Mr. Karol Nawrocki, that he met him a few times, so to say that this is some intimate acquaintance, that is an absolute exaggeration – he continued.

– I do not have this knowledge [whether Nawrocki vouched], but we all remember this situation perfectly well [...] even RMF FM reported how brutally a Polish football fan was beaten; if this were support for a Polish fan, a Polish citizen abroad, then it would be nothing surprising – he went on.

– Only one thing surprises me [...] because Mr. Horodko is perfectly well-known in Tri-City circles as a person connected with Mr. Jacek Karnowski; Mr. Horodko himself said he drank oceans of vodka with Mr. Karnowski [...] and oceans of beer with Donald Tusk, because he was Donald Tusk's neighbor, played football with him, and provided security for his 50th birthday – he added.

– Mr. Horodko is closer to the circles of Civic Platform, to Mr. Karnowski – he pointed out.

– We won the first round. For the first time since 2010, PiS is not coming first in elections. This is a great success. What we are most pleased about is that we managed to make inroads into eastern Poland. I think anyone who followed the campaign saw this – stated Sławomir Nitras on RMF FM.

– If you compare the results in Podkarpacie, Rafał Trzaskowski recorded a 10% increase in support compared to 2020, while Duda probably had 59%, and Nawrocki 40% in Podkarpacie. We increased our result by 10% in Podkarpacie, 10% in Świętokrzyskie, and 14% in Podlasie, and hence Trzaskowski's victory – he continued.

– I wouldn't so easily attribute these Konfederacja votes, including those for Braun, to PiS. Because these are different voters; we analyze them. They are often outright anti-PiS voters. If you ask Konfederacja voters what they think about Kaczyński and the PiS government – it's all bad. And Sławomir Mentzen knows this exactly, and he must behave this way today to avoid losing that electorate. The Konfederacja electorate is largely anti-PiS – stated Sławomir Nitras on RMF FM.

Sławomir Nitras stated on RMF FM: "Five years ago, Bosak's voters were divided. And we will court them [Konfederacja voters]. You know how many people we met at rallies during this campaign, there were even funny scenes, people walking around with Mentzen's posters saying: listen, in the first round for Sławek, but in the second round we're voting for Rafał – we met people like that."

– Let them [PiS voters] answer for that. The question for them is whether they accept that the presidential candidate [Karol Nawrocki] is simply dishonest; much points to him being a fraud – Sławomir Nitras stated on RMF FM.

– At the ballot boxes, we were short, I think, by about a million – we don't have the exact count yet – but about a million of our 2023 voters, and this is an urgent appeal to you: either you will spend another 8 years walking the streets and protesting, or you will be at the ballot boxes on June 1st and help us win Poland – stated Sławomir Nitras on RMF FM.

"In the second round, it will be very important to win over Mentzen's entrepreneurial, free-market electorate. Rafał Trzaskowski should do this by promising ambitious economic reforms," – Ryszard Petru wrote on X on May 18th.

On the day of the planned press conference regarding an endorsement in the second round of elections, Sławomir Mentzen replied: "Sorry, I don't want anything from Avon."

Sorry, nie chcę nic z Avonu.

— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) May 20, 2025

– The hurdles have been there from the beginning, and we are not afraid of them, because, firstly, we don't fear challenges. Secondly, we are truly going to fight for Poland – a democratic Poland, a strong Poland, an inclusive Poland, a Poland that will ensure peace, especially in these difficult times, and I think that is crucial – said Barbara Nowacka on TVN24.

– I believe that Trzaskowski's campaign could, like any campaign, be stronger and better, and it will become stronger and better. I hear various criticisms; for example, I heard the criticism: 'why are you holding these rallies, it's better to meet with 30 people.' But no, rallies demonstrate great mobilization. Did you see Nawrocki's rally in Bydgoszcz yesterday? Because I saw Trzaskowski's rally in Bydgoszcz, and it differed fundamentally. Trzaskowski draws crowds; 15,000 people attended in Krakow – stated Barbara Nowacka on TVN24.

– We live in exceptionally difficult times, and Trzaskowski's strong declarations – there's no two ways about it – it was Kaczyński who wanted to send Polish soldiers to Ukraine, while Trzaskowski, Donald Tusk, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and everyone else say: "no, we have our own mission." It was they who raised taxes – and this is also information for Mentzen's voters – it was PiS who introduced the so-called "Polski Ład," which simply hit entrepreneurs very hard, and we are simply fixing it – stated Barbara Nowacka on TVN24.

– "Today, we know that we are not working alone as KO; we have friends who stand with us. These are Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Szymon Hołownia, and Magdalena Biejat, who yesterday met with Rafał Trzaskowski. And the issues we hear from people are also very important," Barbara Nowacka said on TVN24.

— The Confederation of the Polish Crown advocates for transparency and honesty in public life. For this reason, we expect candidates for President of the Republic of Poland to provide urgent, clear, and complete answers to the following questions, concerning the most serious national security threats caused by the actions and omissions of governments and presidents in recent years and decades — Grzegorz Braun posted on X.

The Confederation @KoronyPolskiej advocates for transparency and honesty in public life. For this reason, we expect candidates for President of the Republic of Poland to provide urgent, clear, and complete answers to the following questions, concerning the most serious security threats…

— Grzegorz Braun (@GrzegorzBraun_) May 20, 2025

– The second-round situation is not my ideal one, but I understand the seriousness of the situation and the threat we face. Therefore, I want this to be clear: ANYONE, BUT NOT TRZASKOWSKI — wrote Janusz Korwin-Mikke on platform X.

The situation in the second round is not my ideal one, but I understand the seriousness of the situation and the threat we face. Therefore, I want this to be clear:

ANYONE, BUT NOT TRZASKOWSKI.

— Janusz Korwin-Mikke (@JkmMikke) May 19, 2025

– Today at 11 AM, I will meet with Rafał Trzaskowski to discuss what comes next and how our cooperation before the second round could look. I believe that as a politician and party leader, I must do everything to support Rafał before this second round. It will be very important. We will talk about what to do to motivate, convince, and mobilize the electorate that voted for me, because I understand that a lot, if not everything, in these elections could depend on those million votes. – stated Szymon Hołownia at a press conference in the Sejm.

— Also, after what we saw on Sunday, the main challenge will be mobilization. The PO electorate was mobilized to the extent it already was. Now it will be necessary to convince those who are outside the PO electorate that it is worth going to the polls, and that Rafał Trzaskowski will be the one who will respect our shared values, who will offer the greatest opportunities—greater than Karol Nawrocki—to try to unite Poland again, rebuild security, and also to fulfill important demands for us — stated Szymon Hołownia at a press conference in the Sejm.

– "If we are to carry out a government reshuffle, then the coalition agreement must be changed. Replacing even one deputy minister means a change to the coalition agreement. I've already been through that hell once, and frankly, if I have to go through it a second time, I would seriously reconsider," stated Szymon Hołownia at a press conference in the Sejm.

– Talks regarding the debate have collapsed. Two campaign teams had agreed that a good format would be a direct conversation between two candidates across 6 thematic blocks, with a moderator who would not ask questions. Only the candidates would ask each other questions. Everything was agreed, then suddenly a phone call and the talks were over. That's how it looks – wrote Wioletta Paprocka on social media.

Talks regarding the debate have collapsed.
Two campaign teams had agreed that a good format would be a direct conversation between two candidates across 6 thematic blocks, with a moderator who would not ask questions. Only the candidates would ask each other questions. Everything was agreed, then suddenly a phone call and the talks were over. That's how it…

— Wiola Paprocka (@WiolaPaprocka) May 20, 2025

– I hope Rafał Trzaskowski will dispel the doubts that have gathered around him, especially in recent days; that he shares these values, and today I will also discuss the principles I advocated for in this race and what was important to me – stated Szymon Hołownia at a press conference in the Sejm.

– It is highly characteristic that in the debate on the transparency of election campaign financing, Mr. Kaczyński is represented by Matecki, to whom they gave 12 million PLN from the Justice Fund, with which he made banners, posters, and online advertisements. Mr. Kaczyński, how can you not be ashamed that you used public money to put someone like that in the Sejm – stated Sławomir Nitras in the Sejm.

– Have you no shame? A prosecutor, court, and prison await this man, just like any dishonest person. This awaits Mr. Matecki, as well as all other Law and Justice politicians who financed their election campaign from the state budget – he continued.

– You don't know the words honesty or decency. For you, swiping a studio apartment from an elderly person is like snapping your fingers. That's the kind of people you are – said the Civic Coalition politician.

– "Perhaps for a change, let's talk about people's issues, specifically about the concerns of that group who truly face a difficult, uphill battle in life, and to whom the government promised that their personal assistance matter would be resolved within 100 days. 500 days have passed, and it still hasn't been resolved," stated Adrian Zandberg in the Sejm.

– "I have a question for the government, specifically for the Minister of Finance and for Civic Platform: Who and why is blocking this project? Why are people who truly have a hard life waiting day after day, week after week, month after month – soon it will be years – for a basic civilizational standard, to which a convention signed by Poland over a dozen years ago obliges us," he continued.

– "I invite both candidates: Karol Nawrocki and Rafał Trzaskowski, for a conversation with me on my YouTube channel. During the discussion, I will ask them to sign a declaration consistent with the expectations of my voters," wrote Sławomir Mentzen on social media.

– "There is no better way to win over my voters than to appear on my social media. My voters don't watch your television channels, they don't buy into the propaganda of your media. They use social media; they watch my content. If you care about their votes, win them over," he emphasized.

I invite both candidates: Karol Nawrocki and Rafał Trzaskowski for a conversation with me on my YT channel. During the conversation, I will ask them to sign a declaration consistent with the expectations of my voters.

There is no better way to win over my voters than to appear on...

— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) May 20, 2025

– I participated in these talks yesterday and today, though I wasn't there until the very end, as I went to cast my votes. We have one condition, which is that all news stations wishing to participate in this debate should be invited to the table, so that we can discuss it in a way that makes it one grand debate for all interested parties – stated Andrzej Śliwka at a press briefing in the Sejm.

– I would gladly meet with you, each of you separately, of course, and ask you many questions. The aim is for my voters to learn more from you. It seems to me that the vast majority of my voters don't fully know your stance on particular issues. You mostly speak to media that are friendly to you, who don't press, don't delve into certain matters, who don't ask about issues unrelated to current politics – says Sławomir Mentzen in a recording published on social media.

– During our conversation – of course, if you agree to it – I will present you with a declaration for signing. This declaration, which I believe is very important for my voters, outlines what you will commit to should you win these elections. This declaration contains 8 points – he noted.

1. I will not sign any law that increases existing taxes, contributions, fees, or introduces new fiscal burdens

2. I will not sign any law restricting cash transactions and will stand guard over the Polish złoty

3. I will not sign any law restricting the freedom of expression consistent with the Polish constitution

4. I will not allow Polish soldiers to be sent to the territory of Ukraine

5. I will not sign a law regarding the ratification of Ukraine's accession to NATO

6. I will not sign any law restricting Poles' access to firearms

7. I will not agree to the transfer of any powers of the authorities of the Republic of Poland to European Union bodies

8. I will not sign the ratification of any new EU treaties that weaken Poland's role, for example, by weakening its voting power or taking away its right to veto

– They spoke of values and tradition; they were supposed to defend Polish agriculture and the countryside. They spoke of security.
But these were just words. When it came to action, they unconditionally supported a candidate who is the antithesis of all this – wrote Jarosław Kaczyński on social media.

– Trzaskowski – fighting the cross, an ambassador of the climate pact, who saw people needing support in the thugs storming the border. Where are you heading, PSL leadership? What do your voters say about that? – he stressed.

They spoke of values and tradition; they were supposed to defend Polish agriculture and the countryside. They spoke of security.
But these were just words. When it came to action, they unconditionally supported a candidate who is the antithesis of all this.
Trzaskowski – fighting the cross, an ambassador of the climate pact…

— Jarosław Kaczyński (@OficjalnyJK) May 20, 2025

– In the last two days, I met many supporters of Konfederacja who came to my meetings, to rallies. Many of them said that I was their candidate from 9 PM on Sunday; they came wearing Sławomir Mentzen's caps, signaling their support for my candidacy. Of course, I am waiting for what Dr. Sławomir Mentzen will say. I am convinced that in this race, in this second round, responsibility for Poland, responsibility for sovereignty, and responsibility for a strong, wealthy, and safe Poland will win, – said Karol Nawrocki at a press conference.

– Symbolically, they sought to tie Wincenty Witos to the endorsement of a man who enrolled our capital, Poland, in the C40 organization, which limits meat consumption, and who established a laboratory for the Green Deal and foreign ideologies in Warsaw – stated Karol Nawrocki at a press conference.

– I know that the Polish countryside, Polish farms, and Polish farmers will not be fooled into believing that Wincenty Witos could support a man who is so distant from what our man of independence served his entire life. I leave this to the conscience of Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and all members of the PSL, but what happened yesterday, for me as a historian, is disturbing, distasteful, and sad – he continued.

– I hope these two interviews will take place on my YouTube channel. I know Karol Nawrocki has already agreed to it, so in that case, I'm waiting for Rafał Trzaskowski's move. I promise a civilized conversation on my part, and I will treat my opposing candidates with due respect. However, I won't hide that I will be asking tough and challenging questions, and we'll see how both opposing candidates handle it – said Sławomir Mentzen at a press conference.

"I don't intend to behave between the first and second rounds like Szymon Hołownia, who was supposed to be the third way but became a fifth wheel, who sold out his voters for nothing even during election night by endorsing Rafał Trzaskowski. This is a symbol of how a politician should not behave; a politician should fight to achieve the most important things for their voters," Sławomir Mentzen said at a press conference.

"I'm not ruling anything out. After these two conversations, it might turn out that one of the candidates truly convinces me and I decide that it's worth supporting them. I don't know how it will be, I don't know how these talks will proceed, I don't know if both candidates, or at least one of them, will sign this declaration," he continued.

“If either of them doesn't come for a discussion with me, then should they lose these elections, I ask that no blame be directed my way; it will not be my fault. I believe I did everything possible to help my voters make a decision, and if someone doesn't seize this opportunity, they will primarily harm themselves,” said Sławomir Mentzen at a press conference.

– I think it's not my role to organize debates; from what I've managed to gather in this campaign, organizing debates is very problematic. I would prefer to have a normal conversation. If only one candidate agrees, then there will only be one conversation – said Sławomir Mentzen at a press conference, when asked about a conversation with Nawrocki and Trzaskowski simultaneously, in the style of a debate.

– Of course, I will bring it up; I have a great many doubts about it. I hope Karol Nawrocki finally offers some explanation for this. I intend to ask him a specific question and finally hear the definitive, credible version, because so far I haven't heard one – said Sławomir Mentzen at a press conference, when asked if he would raise the topic of the studio apartment during his conversation with Karol Nawrocki.

"I invite every candidate for a discussion. If any candidate convinces me why they don't want to sign one of these points, and those arguments are convincing, then I certainly won't insist; after all, I'm not quite sure which of these points doesn't merit a signature. But maybe something will surprise me, I'm not ruling anything out," said Sławomir Mentzen at a press conference, when asked whether the points from the declaration he proposed are negotiable.

"It seems to me that your imagination is really running wild; for now, we are discussing what to do in the second round of the presidential elections," Sławomir Mentzen stated at a press conference, when asked whether he would agree to co-govern and form a coalition with PiS—should Karol Nawrocki win the elections and snap parliamentary elections occur—if he were to become prime minister or minister of finance.

"I can imagine anything; from what I've heard, there's even a realistic path for me to become pope. However, just because my imagination is vast doesn't mean I will make everything from it a reality," he continued.

– Every Polish citizen, every Polish fan, every citizen of the Polish state who will be beaten by foreign police – be it Danish, British, Ukrainian, or German – will be able to count on the help of Poland's president Karol Nawrocki – said Karol Nawrocki at a press conference.

– Rafał Trzaskowski also spoke with me about healthcare, and as a result of that conversation, he committed that, as President of Poland, he would assume patronage over the efforts to reform the healthcare financing system. The goal is to finally close the gap in the National Health Fund's financing system and to build a system that will be fair, effective, and that will treat both entrepreneurs and employees equitably – said Magdalena Biejat at a press conference.

– Yesterday, we had a good, constructive meeting with Magdalena Biejat about what is important for left-wing voters in these elections. I appreciate her support and treat it as a commitment. I declare support for the Left's social housing program. The time for housing loan subsidies has ended, and I will persuade all coalition partners of this – Rafał Trzaskowski wrote on social media.

– It's high time to start building affordable rental housing. As the Mayor of Warsaw myself, I know how much state support is needed for local governments in this area, and as President of Poland, I will advocate for such support. I hope that the government bill developed by the Left, which increases subsidies for local governments for housing construction, will find its way to parliament as soon as possible – he continued.

Today, I want to thank @MagdaBiejat and the Left for their support in the second round of the presidential elections. This is an expression of responsibility, courage, and shared concern for the future of Poland – a just, modern, and solidary Poland.

Yesterday, we had a good, constructive meeting with Magdalena…

— Rafał Trzaskowski (@trzaskowski_) May 20, 2025

– There is no other government like Donald Tusk's government, which so strongly supports the migration pact and the relocation of illegal migrants; there is no other government that has lied so much on this matter, – Przemysław Czarnek said at a press conference.

– The proof, for example, is the meeting of interior ministers in February of this year in Warsaw, the proceedings of which were disclosed by the Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany, because our Minister Siemoniak forgot to inform the public that during that very meeting, there was an acceleration, an agreement to fast-track the migration pact, – he continued.

– Now, Mr. Donald Tusk will soon be trying to convince us in the Sejm chamber that the rules have changed and that no one will deceive him in the European Union. However, how Tusk is being deceived in the European Union was even revealed by Ms. Katarzyna Szymańska-Borginon from RMF, here's an excerpt from her report: „[…] the rejection of the asylum and migration pact will only be possible until the elections, and at the latest until the end of the presidency,” – he went on to say.

– Therefore, I can state once more: the golden age of smugglers ended with the PiS government. Do not come here; you stand no chance of crossing the Polish border – declared Prime Minister Donald Tusk in the Sejm.

"I have a very serious problem, a dilemma, to resolve. As you might guess, I will also be speaking with the President of Ukraine, because it's not easy, it's really not easy. On the one hand, to mobilize both Europe and the United States in this aid for Ukraine through sanctions imposed on Russia, by maintaining weapons supplies so that Ukraine does not fall in this unequal duel with Russia, and at the same time, to effectively safeguard Polish interests, even when they are in confrontation with Ukrainian interests," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk in the Sejm.

"It's very difficult. I don't have a problem with this, because no one will tell me I'm anti-Ukrainian when it comes to the Ukrainian-Russian war, unlike how you are trying to start this game today during the election campaign," he continued.

– "We cannot surrender Poland to those who would sell it for a bag of gold, solely protecting their own interests. We are here to protect Polish interests, not our own private gain," Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared in the Sejm.

– Is it normal that you believe you should boast about violating human rights? If PiS had introduced the suspension of the right to asylum, you would have been chaining yourselves to this rostrum in the previous parliamentary term, because back then human rights meant something. But now they mean absolutely nothing – stated Marcelina Zawisza in the Sejm.

– And the fact that fawning over Braun and Mentzen is being done hand-in-hand with the Left parliamentary group, which announced it supports the extension of the suspension of the right to asylum, that is truly absurd – she continued.

– We have two crucial weeks ahead of us. That’s why we need to act, not wait, not stand on the sidelines, but get to work, and most importantly, not be afraid. Because everything is in our hands. Many people did not participate in the first round of elections. That’s why you must persuade, encourage, explain how important it is for everyone to go on June 1st and vote – said Małgorzata Trzaskowska in Sosnowiec.

– Politics impacts our daily lives. Women, in particular, have painfully learned how agonizing politicians’ decisions can be. And we have a chance to change that, because women have a voice, they have strength. Because women can decide the outcomes of these elections. So my dear friends – you absolutely must go and vote – she appealed.

– I want to recall a locality here, called Siekierczyn, in Lower Silesia. Do you know what the result was there? 700 votes for me, 699 for Karol Nawrocki. A single vote decided it. And it could be this close already on June 1st. Every vote will count – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

– From here, I wanted to thank you for every vote. Thank you very much for this support, but I'm counting on more, and I believe that together we will win the presidential election – he added.

– Either we choose a secure future as a proud and free European nation, one that stands for democracy and wishes to build a strong Poland and a strong Europe. Or, unfortunately, we will return to the periphery. Because we will be divided and subjugated, because it will be difficult for us to move forward. Because we will become a plaything in the hands of great powers, should my opponent win – God forbid, – Rafał Trzaskowski said in Sosnowiec.

– Yesterday, I stood by the monument of our Prime Minister Witos, alongside Prime Minister Kosiniak. And then I recalled his words, because Witos clearly stated that a divided nation cannot build a strong Poland. And today, that is precisely what this is about – to build a strong Poland and to end these disputes. My opponent, unfortunately, constantly only incites these disputes – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

– Today, we must remember that this is precisely the stake of these elections. We are heading for victory so that Poland may be strong – he indicated.

– We must create conditions that allow us to compete with everyone in Europe, not only with countries in our region, with Spain, but also with Germany or France. […] I want to be the patron of such a project, so that our children and grandchildren can pursue the most ambitious project – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

– Today, our goal must be to build the strongest economy and strengthen the potential of our industry. We don't just want to buy nuclear power; we want to have our own competencies in nuclear energy. We don't just want to use artificial intelligence; we want to ensure that such solutions are developed and research centers are built in Poland. We want our engineers to be able to spread their wings here. This is the level of ambition we must achieve – he argued.

– But I'll tell you one thing – we can only do this together, if we win, if I win these presidential elections. Because, unfortunately, have no illusions – if Karol Nawrocki wins, simply no ambitious project will succeed – he emphasized.

– We won't, proverbially speaking, fly to the Moon; instead, we'll get bogged down in total chaos. Because Karol Nawrocki simply heralds chaos and conflict. I'm afraid that then we would experience a very painful landing – he assessed.

– My opponent makes no secret that the most important goal of his presidency would be to bring about a government crisis, discord, and problems – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

– This is precisely what is at stake for these voters: whether we will move forward together, whether we will realize our dreams and aspirations on a scale that no generation in Poland has ever had, and we will take everyone on this journey and everyone will benefit from it – or whether we will stand still, mired in disputes, in ingrained complexes, and have a president who will want only and solely to divide us – he urged.

– Have no illusions – this is a radical, extremist politician [Karol Nawrocki]. This is a politician who would most gladly march with Grzegorz Braun through Polish streets. Let's not allow this. Go vote, choose wisely, because then all of Poland will win – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

– We need to listen to the voice of the younger generation. They only talk about it; I do it every day in Warsaw, with you, and I want to do it across Poland. So that women's rights prevail, because we know what Nawrocki has in store for women; we all know his plans. So that you, precisely, can decide our future. We do not want this alliance of those who seek to take away your fundamental right – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

– To prioritize housing and build as many homes as possible. They simply can't do it, but we, as local government officials, do it every day. To listen to the voice of those who speak of the crisis in child psychiatry. I didn't just spend hours discussing it; we actually did it – we built an entire network of clinics in Warsaw to help children. And I promise you that we will do it together, because we need someone who is experienced and who knows how to solve problems – he continued.

– This I also guarantee and vow to you: that I will be a president who solves problems – he declared.

"What we need is to talk about sensible economic deregulation and assistance for our entrepreneurs. And we know what PiS did during their rule concerning our entrepreneurs. Nothing but chaos and additional burdens," said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

"We will do this together. I want to say that on this matter, I am ready to cooperate with everyone who wants to ease the burden on our entrepreneurs," he stated.

"On a related note, as I promised Magda Biejat, we will also hold a discussion about the future of healthcare in Poland, because that is a priority. I manage 10 hospitals, I know how to do it," he added.

– If Nawrocki were to win, you wouldn't get any problem-solving; you'd just have a boxing ring. Conflict and chaos. And what we need is problem-solving – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

– I will never pardon any politician. Never. And let me be clear – from any political party. Never. Because you don't go to the Presidential Palace to make comfortable arrangements for your colleagues who will be fleeing from justice if they don't manage to reach Budapest – said Rafał Trzaskowski in Sosnowiec.

– 'Anxiety' is the wrong word. This is the moment of this ultimate game, so I am very determined, because I know how high the stakes are. However, I am certainly not calm in the sense that I know well, and frankly, not because I'm some brilliant analyst, but because it was obvious to me from the very beginning, and I think most people saw it this way, that this final will be incredibly tight, that it's roughly 50/50 – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info.

'A yellow card is no drama; it's the normal lot of anyone who plays hard, and we will play hard,' said Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info, when asked if the first round result was a warning signal, a yellow card for the government.

'I also don't like such whining and complaining from all those who know what's going on but very quickly lose their fighting spirit. Rafał Trzaskowski won the first round. He must do everything and will do everything to repeat this result in the second round, and we know it's not an easy task [...] but one must be resolute, meaning one must believe not only in one's own strength but in one's own convictions,' he continued.

– Yet, something did happen. Rafał Trzaskowski narrowly won, even though we know that Karol Nawrocki lied publicly multiple times and was caught red-handed. I remember a time when, in such circumstances, that would simply disqualify a candidate. Not anymore – stated Justyna Dobrosz-Oracz on TVP Info, during a conversation with Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

– We have a monumental task to complete. Poland finds itself in a very difficult place and at a challenging time. I don't need to explain this to anyone; today, state stability, a unified power – yes, strong power – is essential. Some will say: 'Ah, this will be autocracy.' Poland needs a competent, strong government. There is war across the border, there is immense migratory pressure, and a political crisis throughout the entire Western world – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info.

– Give us what is key to effective governance. Give us a president who will help, be critical, point things out, and argue, but who will not block as a matter of principle. Rafał Trzaskowski will be a good president because he will not be a president of civil war – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info.

– Let us finish what we started together on October 15, 2023. And we did this under very difficult conditions. I didn't flaunt it, I don't like to grumble, and I don't like to shift the blame, saying 'oh, the predecessor, the predecessor,' but do you know what kind of debt we inherited from them? What expenses, what deficit? What was happening in those ministries [...] one cannot stop halfway through the crossing – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info, when asked if he understood the disappointment of voters who say, for example, that a higher tax-free allowance was not delivered.

– Mr. Nawrocki is, as we know, Jarosław Kaczyński’s decision. Mr. Nawrocki is Jarosław Kaczyński’s idea not for PiS’s return to power, but for creating perpetual chaos and unending political conflict – Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on TVP Info.

– Ultimately, that is Kaczyński’s dream [PiS’s return to power], but for me, what will happen in a week, a month, or four months is much more important than speculations about what will happen in Poland in 2.5 years – he continued.

– I don't like the term 'visa scandal,' because the visa scandal is just the tip of the iceberg – the strictly corrupt part where money and bribes were taken for granting visas, as those were relatively few cases. I mean, unforgivable, but the real problem was that the entire state was involved in a complete loosening of controls – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info.

– I could tell you what I'd do to them for what they did to Poland regarding visas, but I won't use too strong words here. Maybe it will finally sink in for someone that under PiS rule, under the rule of Kaczyński and Morawiecki, Poland was the most open country to migration – but in the worst sense of the word – he continued.

– I also openly state: I will be ready to close the border. I don't want to harm Poles who wish to cross the border because they work in Germany and Poland, or vice versa. I told the Germans: if you attempt to send us migrants, then, as a last resort, I will invoke Article 72, which will allow for the temporary suspension, for security reasons, of Poland's treaty obligations – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info.

– Yes [there will be a government reshuffle after the elections], although I want these emotions to subside over the next few days – stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info.

– The atmosphere must calm down after the elections, I'm not saying it will be in a year, but in June I will calmly return to discussions with my coalition partners. Not to take anything away from them, but so that this government is smaller, less numerous, but in good proportions for everyone and much more efficient. I would like to, yes, yes [renegotiate the coalition agreement] – he continued.

– It was Jarosław Kaczyński who went to Kyiv and unwisely started talking about Poland and NATO intervening in Ukraine. I remember those words; he still hasn't explained himself to this day – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk on TVP Info.

"Saturday, 7:00 PM. It's on!" – wrote Wioletta Paprocka on platform X. Rafał Trzaskowski's chief of staff was commenting on the discussion between the KO candidate and Sławomir Mentzen.

Saturday 7:00 PM. It's on! https://t.co/5aoXOPazOb

— Wiola Paprocka (@WiolaPaprocka) May 20, 2025

This date was confirmed by the Confederation candidate.

When Rafał Trzaskowski says he'll do something, he does it. No need to remind him every day 😉

The discussion with @trzaskowski_ will be on my channel on Saturday at 7 PM. Join us!

— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) May 20, 2025

– I don't really believe that Rafał Trzaskowski has right-wing convictions. Frankly, I don't know what his convictions are at this moment… – said Sławomir Mentzen on Kanal Zero.

– And what kind would you like him to have? – interjected Krzysztof Stanowski.

Robert Mazurek echoed him: – And what kind should he have?

– I'd like him to have any at all, for example – Mentzen continued.

– We will talk. It will be a civil conversation – said Sławomir Mentzen on Kanał Zero, referring to the discussion scheduled for Saturday with Rafał Trzaskowski.

– I don't believe I'm the one with a problem regarding the studio apartment. Nawrocki is the one with the problem, not me, and of course, I will expect him to finally explain himself on this, because so far all his explanations, every version of those explanations, are completely unconvincing to me. I would like to hear either a reasonably plausible version, or at least an admission that he genuinely messed up, but is very sorry and wouldn't do it again – stated Sławomir Mentzen on Channel Zero.

– I am an independent politician; I have my own independent party, which will always be independent of PiS, PO, and other parties. I must have the strategic ability to criticize both sides of this duopoly; otherwise, I would never be able to take responsibility for Poland, to co-govern, because I would be some kind of vassal, some kind of appendage, some kind of Hołownia, and I simply am not that – said Sławomir Mentzen on Kanał Zero.

– In the long term, I believe this attack [on Karol Nawrocki over the studio apartment controversy] is very effective, and I would certainly repeat it. Firstly, because it was true – I genuinely don't believe his account, and I think he did something improper. Secondly, I cannot afford to refrain from attacking PiS just because PiS members might take offense at me – said Sławomir Mentzen on Kanał Zero.

– "I would prefer to be prime minister over president, I would prefer to be minister of finance over president. However, this year there were no elections for prime minister, for minister of finance, no parliamentary elections – there were presidential elections, so I ran in those," stated Sławomir Mentzen on Channel Zero.

– "I admit – it would be a bit of a problem for me. However, the people didn't elect me, so I don't have to make the sacrifice of being president," he added.

– That's absurd, I'd be an idiot if I agreed. However, I didn't receive such an offer. I didn't receive any offers, not a single one. Nobody promised me anything – Sławomir Mentzen said on Kanal Zero, when asked if he had received a proposal for the position of deputy prime minister in Donald Tusk's government in exchange for supporting Rafał Trzaskowski.

– I can also imagine that [a joint front with Braun], but I have no such plans in the near future. However, this is indeed a new phenomenon; I didn't expect such a strong result for Grzegorz Braun. I don't yet know what to do about it, but I also disagree that it stems from any lack of radicalism on my part – stated Sławomir Mentzen on Kanał Zero.

– On some issues that Grzegorz Braun addresses, I have also been radical. I took a very radical stance regarding, for example, Netanyahu, and the genocides in the Gaza Strip. I went to Lviv to show how Ukrainians still venerate Bandera and other genocidal figures – he continued.

– Even now, if we look at the election results, I received 36% among those up to 29 years old, which is a lot, more than Korwin ever did in that demographic. However, I also won in the 30-39 age group, where I think I got 25%. These are already people in their thirties, roughly my age – said Sławomir Mentzen on Kanał Zero.

– My theory is – what will come of this in 5-10 years, we'll see, because the future is unpredictable – that our voters will age with us and stick with us. At least that's how it was with PiS and PO. People who were convinced by PiS and PO some 20-odd years ago, when these parties were forming, remained with PiS and PO – he stated.

– My absolute biggest grievance with him [Karol Nawrocki] is the issue with that studio apartment. I'd like him to explain it. Beyond that, there isn't much to criticize, because he copied my program. I mean, if someone says exactly what I say, I'm hardly going to fight the fact that he wants to do what I've said I want to do, – said Sławomir Mentzen in Kanał Zero.