Monika Piątkowska is seeking to distinguish her campaign for mayor of Krakow from the financial decisions of former city leader Aleksander Miszalski, although both come from the Civic Coalition. The senator is running with the support of the Civic Coalition and the Polish People's Party.
On Polsat News' 'Gość Wydarzeń', Piątkowska said she did not assess Miszalski's two-year tenure positively and was not defending it. She nevertheless urged voters to stop living in the past, saying that chapter was closed. She argued that attempts to repair the city budget too often reached into residents' pockets: the goal was right, she said, but the execution was poor.
She also said she had opposed an excessively broad Clean Transport Zone while campaigning for the Senate. Her view on the issue, which has become contentious, remains unchanged, she said, while again describing the previous administration as a closed chapter.
Piątkowska called for closer cooperation between the central government and Krakow, as well as other large cities. She said a mayor should persuade the prime minister and ministers to bring concrete solutions and assistance to the city. She described Krakow as being in a difficult position and linked cooperation with the government to residents' security amid geopolitical risks.
She said local government should focus on effectiveness, cooperation and delivering projects rather than friendship or criticism alone. Piątkowska said she was willing to ask the government publicly for help.
Gibała won the first round with 36.38% of the vote, while Piątkowska received 29.91%. The runoff is scheduled for October 11, with polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Adult residents who permanently live in Krakow may vote.