Trzaskowski: I did everything Sikorski wanted. He cannot come to terms with this poll

On Monday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk released the results of the anticipated "comprehensive poll" assessing the chances of Rafał Trzaskowski and Radosław Sikorski in next year’s presidential elections. "Rafał Trzaskowski defeats a PiS candidate in the first round, 40 to 28, and in the second, 57 to 43," Tusk wrote. "Radek Sikorski loses to a PiS candidate in the first round, 28 to 30, but wins in the second, 54 to 46," he added.

"The poll results are clear, but they remain just a guideline. Your vote holds the true power!" emphasized the prime minister.

Addressing the poll results on Fakty po Faktach, Trzaskowski remarked: "We’ve been seeing these kinds of results for months now, consistently showing my clear lead." He pointed out that Sikorski had called for thorough polling within the Civic Coalition (KO) and had hoped for a shift following the U.S. elections. "There’s been no change. The trends remain exactly the same," he said.

Program host Anita Werner noted that Sikorski’s supporters argue the poll was conducted before the KO primaries were announced.

Trzaskowski said: "Radosław Sikorski repeatedly told us he wanted an in-depth poll after the U.S. elections. He’s been campaigning for weeks, starting much earlier than I did. We conducted the poll exactly as Sikorski wanted, at the timing he requested." Moreover, he added, he decided to hold primaries, "which I think surprised everyone." He explained: "I concluded that since we have a contender, we should place ourselves in the hands of Civic Coalition members."

"I’ve genuinely done everything Sikorski asked for. And yet, Sikorski cannot accept the results of this objective poll. That surprises me," Trzaskowski declared.

The Mayor of Warsaw also noted that Sikorski’s supporters, some of whom are not even members of KO and thus cannot vote in the primaries, had claimed Sikorski would appeal more to conservative and centrist voters. "That turned out not to be true," Trzaskowski said. "I have an advantage among centrist, left-leaning, and conservative voters, but most importantly, I also lead decisively among undecided voters. That’s a very significant predictor for me - and, I believe, for everyone."

He further stated that his party is focused on addressing grievances with PiS. "We have accounts to settle with PiS, and that’s where our attention lies," he said.

Asked how he would differentiate himself from President Andrzej Duda, Trzaskowski said: "In every way." He emphasized independence as a critical factor. "I am an independent politician. Today, I am also demonstrating my willingness to reach out to all my colleagues in the party and place myself at their disposal. I am a politician ready to collaborate, but I also stand firmly by my convictions," he said.

"I am someone who builds coalitions and fosters unity, which is the exact opposite of President Andrzej Duda, who has been entirely dependent on the leader of his party," Trzaskowski concluded.

Trzaskowski also addressed his meeting last Thursday with a group of officials associated with the Republican Party and Donald Trump’s potential future administration. The delegation included Ryan D. McCarthy, Secretary of the Army during Trump’s first presidency, and two retired generals who previously held key positions in the U.S. Army - James McConville and Edward Daly.

"I meet with everyone who collaborated with Trump and who has the opportunity to connect with him. This particular delegation is mainly focused on strengthening the ability to deliver weapons to Ukraine and enhancing logistics," he said.

In his opinion, "every such American investment in Poland enhances our security." He added: "I explain to all politicians who were or are associated with Trump - and I speak with many of them - that our security is fundamental. Trump always said he would help countries that take responsibility into their own hands. We are spending nearly five percent of our GDP on security, which is exactly what Trump advocated. We are encouraging other NATO and EU countries to invest more in their security. So, in a way, we are doing exactly what Trump called for," the mayor told TVN24.

"What’s more, we are telling all American investors: come and invest in Polish security, as it strengthens us all. I am convinced that Trump, as a former businessman and someone who relies on intuition and realism, will recognize the value of our strong American investments in Poland," he added.