According to multiple sources within the Polish People’s Party (PSL), Niezalezna.pl has learned that Deputy Prime Minister and PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz spoke privately with Szymon Hołownia shortly after the announcement of his disastrous first-round election results. Kosiniak-Kamysz reportedly convinced Hołownia to immediately and unconditionally endorse Rafał Trzaskowski, despite Hołownia’s earlier reservations.
Just days before, Hołownia had publicly declared that he would not support Trzaskowski until questions surrounding the illegal online advertisements by the Akcja Demokracja foundation and other irregularities in Trzaskowski’s campaign were clarified. Yet as soon as unfavorable polling data came in, he reversed his stance without conditions.
The endorsement was later confirmed by Kosiniak-Kamysz during a Monday speech at the monument of Wincenty Witos in Warsaw. The PSL’s National Executive Committee had earlier unanimously passed a resolution backing Trzaskowski’s candidacy.
A Pivotal Conversation
Niezalezna.pl has learned that Hołownia’s decision followed a “man-to-man” discussion with Kosiniak-Kamysz on Friday.
“He pushed him to immediately and unconditionally support Rafał Trzaskowski, even though Hołownia had his doubts,” one senior PSL official told the portal.
MP Jarosław Rzepa (PSL), when asked about the Speaker of the Sejm’s sudden appeal to voters on behalf of the Civic Platform (PO) candidate, confirmed the pressure from the top.
“I admit, it happened after a conversation with President Kosiniak-Kamysz. He convinced him to do it,” Rzepa said.
Asked why PSL adopted the rare political strategy of offering unconditional support to a PO candidate, Rzepa explained:
“There are other ways to achieve our goals—not necessarily by playing the support card. We will manage just fine.”
Concerns About Weak Rural Support
When asked whether the party was concerned about Hołownia’s minimal support in rural areas, Rzepa replied:
“We see that. Maybe it’s because there wasn’t a direct PSL candidate. I think this campaign will give us much to reflect on ahead of the next parliamentary elections. No decisions have been made yet.”
No Alternative?
Other PSL leaders interviewed by Niezalezna.pl publicly insisted that Trzaskowski remains the best choice.
“If Nawrocki wins, it will be a catastrophic decision for Poland,” said senior PSL figure Jarosław Kalinowski.
However, off the record, the picture is more complex. Some PSL politicians admit that there’s no realistic alternative to remaining in the governing coalition—which, in turn, influences their support for Trzaskowski.
“I warned weeks before the election and the campaign about the alarming signals. I said we need to rethink our partnership with Poland 2050 or we’ll sink—and I was right,” said one high-ranking PSL member under the condition of anonymity.
“Our support could erode. There’s a lot to think about. I don’t want to discuss internal problems within the coalition, but they do exist—and they’re not small.”