Although the election night did not initially signal a victory for Karol Nawrocki, the final results changed the course of history. Yesterday, as President-elect, he promised a modern presidency rooted in values, close to the citizens, yet also prepared for confrontation with Donald Tusk’s government. In an interview with Danuta Holecka on TV Republika, Nawrocki outlined his first personnel and legislative decisions, declaring that his goal will be both a technological revolution and the restoration of national unity.
At the very start of the interview, President-elect Karol Nawrocki emphasized the role TV Republika played in his campaign:
“I want to thank TV Republika for being there with me.”
Referring to the tense election night, he admitted that the initial polls gave him little hope of winning. However, he believed that the situation would change in the following hours and that he would ultimately win.
“The results clearly indicated that I had lost the election. But the night turned out differently. The hope that I would win never left me. I was convinced that I would secure victory during the night. That’s why I was a bit surprised by the enthusiasm in my opponent’s campaign headquarters,”
he said.
Future Collaborators in the Presidential Palace
The President-elect stated that in building his team at the Presidential Palace, he would combine political experience with the energy of individuals from outside politics. He revealed the first names of his key collaborators.
The head of the President’s Cabinet will be his campaign chief and PiS MP Paweł Szefernaker, whom Nawrocki described as “a politician of a new generation who proved himself within six months.”
Jarosław Dębowski will serve as Deputy Head of the Cabinet.“This will be the duo responsible for running my office,” the President-elect explained.
The new Press Secretary to the President of Poland will be Dr. Rafał Leśkiewicz, previously affiliated with the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN).
A Technological Boost for Poland
Among his first legislative initiatives, the new president announced a bill on a Breakthrough Technology Fund:
“Now I want to do this for the whole of Poland. I will submit a bill on the Breakthrough Technology Fund. This bill is ready. It will be a very important part of my presidency.”
Nawrocki’s ambition is to build a modern technological base in Poland for young people—who are plentiful in Poland but often leave in search of opportunities abroad.
“We deserve to have our own Silicon Valley in Poland,”
he emphasized.
Cooperation and Opposition to the Government
Commenting on tensions with the government, he stressed that despite political differences, he would support all initiatives that benefit citizens. However, he also made it clear that he would oppose those that are detrimental to the country. Nawrocki gave a blunt assessment of Donald Tusk’s administration:
“This is a bad government that is not coping with governance. Nonetheless, I will have to work with this government. And all good initiatives that serve the Polish people will have my support.”
Part of the interview addressed Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent address. Nawrocki expressed concern over the Prime Minister’s plans to bypass the president in the decision-making process. According to Nawrocki, what Poland needs now is calm, not further conflict stirred by the current government.
“Poles want peace and normalcy today. Poland, split in half, now needs a president who works for all its citizens. The Prime Minister’s announcement is troubling,” he said.
Referring to Jarosław Kaczyński’s proposal to establish a technical government, Nawrocki noted that implementing such a plan could help cool political tensions:
“This is a solution that could bring peace to Poland. We need to lower the level of conflict,”
he remarked.
Freedom of Speech and Protection of Children
Much of the interview focused on the election campaign and the government’s use of state agencies. Nawrocki strongly opposed involving state services in politically motivated actions. He referred to initiatives by ordinary citizens who, dressed as Zorro, Spider-Man, and Batman, criticized Rafał Trzaskowski—only to be pursued by government services with full force.
“The security services should be apolitical and focus on public safety, and the freedom to express opinions—whether by Zorro, Spider-Man, or Batman—should be part of our lives,”
he said.
Accordingly, he announced that he would not sign the current version of the hate speech law, which was passed by the Sejm and sent to the Presidential Chancellery. He explained the reasons for his concern:
“We are a free nation, and we like to express our opinions. The list of what qualifies as hate speech is troubling because it would eliminate only a part of society. It’s meant to target only one segment of the population,” he said.
Nawrocki also addressed the online abuse directed at his daughter following election night:
“I love my daughter very much. She’s just a child, and this should never have happened. But we will overcome evil with good. I urge everyone—please, spare the children in political battles. Let them be children.”
A President Close to the People
Summing up his plans and pledges, the President-elect said:
“I would like this presidency to be one that is close to the people. I want to remain the person that people get to know and choose. I intend to serve Poland and the Polish people.”