15,000 signatures collected in four days for Warsaw mayor recall effort

An ambitious citizens' initiative in Warsaw is rapidly gathering momentum to recall Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. The "Capital City Referendum Operation" launched a signature drive on Thursday, aiming to force a referendum on the mayor's position.

In just four days, volunteers have collected 15,000 signatures, a significant start toward the estimated 132,000 needed to trigger a referendum. Maciej Wilk, an initiator of the action, expressed enthusiasm for the public's response, stating, "The capital is waking up. The signature collection for the motion to recall the city authorities is generating enthusiasm among Warsaw residents. We have proven that a grassroots, civic action can be professional and effective."

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The capital is waking up. The signature collection for the motion to recall the city authorities is generating enthusiasm among Warsaw residents. We have proven that a grassroots, civic action can be professional and effective.

The initiative calls for broad participation, urging urban and district movements, residents' associations, and trade unions to join the effort. Wilk stressed a unifying message: "We are uniting people and organizations from all sides of the political spectrum. We rise above ideological divisions. One thing unites us: the desire to initiate changes – for the better – in our beloved city."

Volunteers, identifiable by their orange vests and caps, are collecting signatures at various points, or residents can download forms to collect signatures themselves. The signature drive is set to continue until September 28. A previous referendum in Warsaw in 2013 to recall Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz failed due to insufficient turnout, despite a majority voting in favor of the recall.

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We are uniting people and organizations from all sides of the political spectrum. We rise above ideological divisions. One thing unites us: the desire to initiate changes – for the better – in our beloved city.