During Telewizja Republika’s presidential debate, Sławomir Mentzen (Konfederacja) posed a series of uncomfortable questions… to the absent Rafał Trzaskowski. The response was dead silent, because Trzaskowski did not show up for the debate.
Throughout the Telewizja Republika debate, the candidates were allowed to ask each other questions. For the most part, they followed this format—until it was Mentzen’s turn. He decided to play by his own rules, directing his query to the missing Civic Coalition candidate.
“I have a question for Rafał Trzaskowski. Do you still think the Central Communication Port (CPK) should be moved under Berlin? Since the planet is on fire, do you still want to produce electricity from German wind farms instead of Polish power plants? Do you still believe that accepting illegal migrants is a security policy for Poland? And why are you such a coward that you didn’t come to debate us? Why did you illegally organize a debate with TVP, and why did you invite us no earlier than an hour and a half before that debate?”
Mentzen concluded:
“And remember, I have the best chance of beating you in the second round.”
“I’m afraid he won’t respond…” noted Karol Nawrocki, pointing to the empty podium beside him.
“He has a minute!” Mentzen insisted.
“I can bring him!” added Marek Jakubiak, alluding to the cardboard cutout of Trzaskowski he had brought to the stage. The debate participants paused briefly; in the end, Trzaskowski’s voice was not heard.