editor
A Polish presidential debate took a dramatic and unexpected turn this week when conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki placed a small LGBTQ+ flag on the podium of liberal rival Rafał Trzaskowski, setting off a flurry of reactions both on stage and across the country.
The event, held in the central town of Końskie, was already under scrutiny due to its unusual format. Originally planned as a face-off between just the two frontrunners, organizers changed course after other candidates protested being excluded. As a result, the evening was split into two parts: a rowdy outdoor debate broadcast by right-leaning media, and a more traditional indoor debate shown by Poland’s mainstream networks, including TVN, TVP, and Polsat.
It was during the indoor segment that Nawrocki made his move. As he approached Trzaskowski’s lectern, he calmly placed the rainbow flag down and remarked, “Here is your flag.” Trzaskowski, clearly taken aback, swiftly removed it and shot back, “You have an obsession with gays.” The exchange, short but sharp, quickly overshadowed the rest of the discussion.
Magdalena Biejat, a progressive lawmaker who also took part in the debate, later picked up the flag and displayed it on her own podium in a clear show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
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Though the debate was meant to focus on national security, military service, and energy policy, the flag moment became the centerpiece. The country’s deep cultural and political divides were suddenly laid bare for everyone to see.
Poland, a member of both the EU and NATO, is approaching a critical presidential election set for May 18. Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw and ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, currently leads the polls. Nawrocki, representing the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, sits in second place. Meanwhile, far-right candidate Sławomir Mentzen, who opted out of the debate entirely, continues to poll strongly as well.
Tensions in Poland have been rising in recent months, fueled by worries about Russia’s war in Ukraine, debates over energy independence, and internal disputes over democratic values. Many see this election as a pivotal moment for the country’s future.
