There were no surprises at today’s campaign rally. Rafał Trzaskowski, a leading figure of the Civic Platform (PO), once again focused on themes his party has heavily emphasized: empathy and compassion. But as soon as those words left his mouth, PiS MP Sebastian Kaleta seized the moment to refresh the public’s memory.
As the presidential campaign nears its final stretch, Onet published an article revealing that presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki owns two apartments, including a 28-square-meter studio acquired under allegedly unclear circumstances. In response, Nawrocki today shared detailed information about his connection to Jerzy Żywicki, from whom he purchased the apartment. His campaign team also presented Żywicki’s will and the notarial deed as evidence.
Nawrocki’s campaign chief, Paweł Szefernaker, accused the ruling coalition of conducting a “hate campaign” against their candidate.
Trzaskowski: “We Must Talk About Care and Empathy”
Back to Trzaskowski. Speaking in the town of Kędzierzyn-Koźle, the Civic Platform candidate stated:
“It’s important to talk about empathy today. Without care, empathy, and values, politics becomes pure cynicism. And we don’t want cynical politicians who say one thing and do another.”
PiS MP Sebastian Kaleta wasted no time in responding to the speech.
“Today, Rafał Trzaskowski tried to present himself as the embodiment of care, empathy, dialogue, and understanding. This is the same guy who once became famous for giving a woman just 20 groszy [Polish pennies-ed.]. The same man who did nothing to help evicted tenants in Warsaw, even though he could’ve stopped the city’s reprivatization process when he was a minister in Tusk’s government. He’s the same politician who began his career as campaign chief for Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz in 2010. The same one who marches with a rainbow flag, yet ordered crosses to be removed from public offices.”
The Infamous “20 Groszy” Episode
So, what’s the story behind the “20 groszy” scandal? Years ago, after buying four pastries for 44 złoty at one of Warsaw’s most upscale patisseries owned by celebrity chef Magda Gessler, Trzaskowski gave a woman in need who had asked for help… a mere 20 groszy (about 5 cents). Later, one Civic Platform MP shouted in Parliament that the sum was actually 50 groszy — as if that would make it any more generous.