The Civic Platform party previously announced presidential primaries in its grouping. It seems, however, that this will not come into effect, as no one leader is willing to be the “proverbial hare” for Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. According to commentators, this situation is favorable for the party’s chairman, Grzegorz Schetyna, as it allows for his maintaining control over the party.
Who will be Andrzej Duda’s main rival in next year’s elections? The idea of the presidential primaries in the Civic Coalition did not catch on effectively, as there are no willing candidates. According to media reports, despite the incentives offered, neither the new Senate Marshal Tomasz Grodzki, nor Radosław Sikorski or Rafał Trzaskowski are eager to participate in the primaries.
”At this stage, anyone can announce their candidacy. We are waiting until tomorrow, November 19th. It is not known whether anyone will come forward, except for Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. If not, on December 14th a national convention will be held for around 1000 people for choosing a suitable candidate. Everything is ahead of us”- says Robert Kropiwnicki, Civic Platform Party.
”These elections are not just for insiders of the Civic Platform Party. We want to hear the voices of the Polish women and men. We want to see who they would like as candidates for the office of president”- says Michał Szczerba, Civic Platform Party.
According to Ryszard Czarnecki, MEP of Law and Justice, the idea of the presidential primaries in the Civic Coalition was political fiction from the very beginning.
”1200 people will be able to vote and state their opinions. Anyone, from functionaries, activists, parliamentarians, to people who have functions in local structures. Not all members will be able to participate. As you can see, these are very controlled elections, but it seems that there is one candidate who stands out among others. Although, this desire for candidacy may only serve as a reminder of one’s self, a cry of “I’m still here”. This was mentioned and promoted by other candidates, Minister Sikorski above all”- says Ryszard Czarnecki, Law and Justice Party.
Tomorrow, November 19th, is the deadline for announcing candidacy for the primaries which will ultimately select the Civic Platform party’s candidate for the presidency. The party’s final decision in this matter is to be made on December 14th. As of today, only Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska has explicitly declared that she will participate in them.