“Because Trzaskowski simply ended his political career with that mess in the Vistula. Now it’s going to drag on for years…” — said Roman Giertych, deputy leader of the Civic Platform, in a conversation with Paweł Graś. The exchange was revealed in yet another recording published by TV Republika. And it wasn’t the only striking quote from his discussion with the head of Donald Tusk’s political cabinet.
On Monday, TV Republika released additional recordings of politicians from the Civic Coalition. One of them captures a conversation between Roman Giertych (R.G.) and Paweł Graś (P.G.) — the head of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s political office.
P.G.: "It’ll be hard to beat them, damn, especially with all these promises of fixing everything. Jesus, they’ve really brainwashed people. And the truth is, people are buying into it — no point in pretending otherwise. Of course, the opposition walked right into the trap: saying there’s no money for it, it’s too expensive, it’s unrealistic. Why talk such nonsense? It’s irresponsible… But people don’t care about responsibility for the budget."
R.G.: "Yeah."
P.G.: "Same thing happened with the 500+ benefit. They keep throwing it in Rostowski’s face — saying it was impossible, unfeasible, would blow up the budget. Now they’re playing the same tune again, instead of finding a completely different approach and shifting the narrative. They let the media grill them like children and repeat the Balcerowicz line that it's irresponsible. Honestly, I don’t see it ending well."
R.G.: "The campaign is being run terribly, and I also see locally that they’re not spending money at all. No billboards, no posters, not even the most basic ones..."
P.G.: "Nothing at all."
R.G.: "PSL is working hard, but otherwise it’s dead. Just a month to the election, and there’s radio silence."
P.G.: "Yeah."
R.G.: "Nothing’s happening."
P.G.: "There’s nothing going on centrally either — no campaign spots, nothing, zero, nada."
R.G.: "They don’t even have billboards yet."
P.G.: "Exactly."
R.G.: "If they already have Małgosia, they should at least put her on billboards."
P.G.: "Sure, sure, but you know…"
R.G.: "But realistically, her potential to be a presidential candidate — if she becomes the face of the center — is very limited. Even if they name her, I can imagine a scenario where they win the election, and then…"
P.G.: "I think regardless of the scenario, Grzegorz will do everything to…"
R.G.: "But you think she’d agree to be a presidential candidate if they lose the election?"
P.G.: "I wouldn’t rule it out. Why not? Obviously never against Donald — that’s completely out of the question. If Donald says he’s running, then of course she’s out."
R.G.: "That decision is ultimately his."
P.G.: "She’s truly loyal to Donald. That’s not even up for debate. But if Donald says he’s not running, then I don’t see any obstacles — even after a loss. Everyone knows the elections will be lost."
R.G.: "Look, if Donald says no, she could actually be the best candidate — better than Trzaskowski. It’s just that… I can’t imagine her competing with Donald in any way, especially after a defeat."
P.G.: "No, I’m talking about a scenario where Donald says 'no.' Then it’s an option..."
R.G.: "Then that could work. Certainly better than Trzaskowski."
P.G.: "Yes..."
R.G.: "Because Trzaskowski’s political future just ended with that sewage spill in the Vistula. It’s going to drag on for years. Now they’re even talking about some official being held responsible — it’s a complete mess."
P.G.: "Yeah, yeah. We’ll see. Listen, I have to go — I’ve arrived at my meeting."