The first round, held on May 18, ended with a narrow lead for prime minister’s Civic Coalition (KO) candidate Rafał Trzaskowski over Karol Nawrocki, the civic candidate supported by the opposition Law and Justice party (PiS). The margin between the two – 1.82 percentage points – fell within the statistical margin of error.
Two Massive Marches in Warsaw - Chapter #1
Photos: Instagram [@gosia.trzaskowska, @marta_nawrocka_]
Trzaskowski's March Draws Larger Crowds?
The pro-Trzaskowski demonstration, dubbed the “Great Patriots’ March”, attracted a crowd estimated at over 100,000 people. According to Wioletta Paprocka, head of Trzaskowski’s campaign team, the turnout was approximately 100,000. News outlet Onet reported a figure between 140,000 and 160,000, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk claimed the number could have reached as high as half a million. The march proceeded from Bankowy Square along Marszałkowska Street to Constitution Square.
Meanwhile, Nawrocki’s “Great March for Poland” gathered an estimated 50,000 participants – although PiS spokesman Rafał Bochenek claimed as many as 150,000 took part. The route led in the opposite direction: from de Gaulle Roundabout along Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście streets to Castle Square.
Trzaskowski: "There Will Be No Complaints—So Choose Wisely"
Addressing the crowd, Trzaskowski emphasised the high stakes of the upcoming election:
“We are gathered here in massive numbers because we all understand what is at stake. It is time for truth, integrity, and the future to prevail. That is what this election is truly about.”
He reminded voters that their choice would have a long-lasting impact:
“There will be no complaints or do-overs – so choose wisely.”
Trzaskowski added that the presidency is not a popularity contest:
“This election is not about choosing a favorite. It’s about selecting the path we will walk together.”
Trzaskowski was joined on stage by prominent figures from the governing coalition, including Tusk, Deputy Prime Minister and centrist-agrarian Polish People’s Party (PSL) leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, parliamentary speaker Szymon Hołownia of centrist Poland 2050 party, and Deputy Speaker of the Senate Magdalena Biejat from the Left. A special guest, Romanian President-elect Nicușor Dan, also addressed the crowd.
The Great Patriotic March – Prime Minister Donald Tusk and KO candidate for President of the Republic of Poland Rafał Trzaskowski (@donaldtusk)
PiS civic candidate Karol Nawrocki at the Great March for Poland (@NawrockiKn)
Nawrocki: "A Proud and Ambitious Poland Is Coming"
Speaking at the closing rally of his march in Castle Square, Karol Nawrocki expressed confidence in his victory in the second round:
“A proud, ambitious, and socially responsible Poland is on the horizon. A great Poland is coming.”
Nawrocki, currently head of the public Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), also invoked Poland’s historical legacy:
“We stand today for a Poland that is conscious of its past, a Poland that reflects our shared national identity. We are a community of values, rooted in a Christian identity filled with love, compassion, tolerance, and understanding.”
He concluded:
“We are here together to declare loudly that we want a Poland of our dreams – and we will not give up on that vision.”
Although Nawrocki addressed the audience alone, several key PiS politicians – including party chairman Jarosław Kaczyński, former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and senior MPs Przemysław Czarnek and Jacek Sasin – joined the march. None of them spoke publicly during the event.
Police: Marches Held Peacefully
According to Warsaw police, this was the first time since 1989 that two rival presidential campaign marches took place simultaneously in the capital. Authorities reported that both gatherings were peaceful:
“Police officers remained in constant contact with the organisers of both marches and cooperated closely with all services involved in ensuring public safety. The events proceeded safely,” said the Warsaw Metropolitan Police Headquarters in an official statement.
Written by: Barbara Bodalska / EURACTIV.pl
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