Poland’s pre-election debate turns to battle between Morawiecki and Tusk

The first and probably only election debate in Poland, involving six parties, immediately became a bickering match between ruling Law and Justice (PiS) Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and opposition leader Donald Tusk.

Despite Tusk’s insistence, PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński refused to take part in the debate. He argued that would rather debate with someone more decisive from the European People’s Party, to which Tusk’s Civic Platform (PO) belongs, namely EPP chief Manfred Weber. PiS was represented by PM Morawiecki instead.

Tusk interpreted Kaczyński’s behaviour as a sign of cowardice. “I know you were waiting for another debate. I wanted to face Jarosław Kaczyński. Unfortunately, he chickened out,” he told TVP viewers, adding that he finds his appearance in the PiS-controlled public TV stations an opportunity to address the ruling party’s electorate.

Morawiecki started each of his answers by attacking Tusk and referring to his seven-year period as prime minister between 2007 and 2014. “Tusk had a heart of stone,” he said, commenting on the PO government’s economic programme.

Tusk reciprocated by criticising PiS for its inability to ensure the country’s security, and personally Morawiecki for lying about his intentions regarding the retirement age policy in times when he was a bank owner and economic advisor to Tusk’s government.

The former European Council president also proposed to hold another debate, this time with both Morawiecki and Kaczyński, on Friday, the last day of the campaign. As Tusk’s final statement came after Morawiecki, the prime minister did not have an opportunity to address the proposal.

Other parties’ representatives, including centrist Third Way alliance’s (Renew/EPP) Szymon Hołownia, the Left’s (S&D) MP Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus and one of ultra-conservative Confederation party’s leaders Krzysztof Bosak, remained in the shadow of Tusk and Morawiecki, even if their statements were far more substantive and full of arguments.

The debate was organised by TVP, which is seen as an instrument of government propaganda by numerous media freedom NGOs, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Still, none of the main election committees refused to participate.

Days before the debate, the broadcaster changed the place of the event and hired a private studio at Wał Miedzeszyński Street in Warsaw, which numerous commentators argued was aimed at preventing crowds of PiS opposers from gathering outside the TVP headquarters.

Also, the time was changed. The debate was initially meant to take place in the prime time, after 8 PM. Yet, TVP then moved it to an earlier time, 6:30 PM, which many said served to reduce the event’s audience.

The elections in Poland will take place on Sunday. It will be combined with the national referendum, in which the voters would be asked about the EU immigration scheme, state assets privatisation, retirement age and the barrier at the Belarussian border.

Meanwhile, the opposition has a high chance of forming the next government, according to the newest poll by Pollster Institute for the Super Express tabloid, which shows that the PO-founded Civic Coalition (KO), the Third Way and the Left would together secure half of the votes.

(Aleksandra Krzysztoszek | Euractiv.pl)