Dakar champion and businessman tipped to run for Krakow mayor

Krakow is preparing for new mayoral elections after residents voted to recall President Aleksander Miszalski in a referendum on May 24. The upcoming election presents a new political landscape for the city, with potential candidates emerging from various parties.

According to RMF FM, businessman and renowned rally driver Rafał Sonik is poised to become the joint candidate for the Civic Coalition (KO) and the Polish People's Party (PSL) in the mayoral race. Sonik, who was born in Krakow, has previously expressed interest in running for the city's top office. Reports suggest that Donald Tusk, the leader of KO, sought a candidate from outside traditional politics, considering professors from local universities before Sonik emerged as a strong contender.

Sonik, born in 1966, is a prominent Polish entrepreneur and a highly decorated competitor in the quad category of cross-country rallies. He won the Dakar Rally in 2015 and has secured multiple FIM Cross-Country World Cup titles. His career in quad racing began in the late 1990s, establishing him as a pioneer in the discipline in Poland. Despite facing significant injuries, Sonik has consistently returned to competition, achieving success in major international rallies. His background in both high-stakes sports and business positions him as a potentially unique candidate for Krakow's leadership.