Krakow Election Candidate Criticizes 'Facade of Choice,' Aims to Oust PiS Influence

Bartosz Bocheńczak is running for office in Krakow with the slogan "Let's reclaim Krakow," expressing deep dissatisfaction with the city's current state. He argues that the past 20 years have offered only a "facade of choice" between the Law and Justice (PiS) party and Civic Platform, leaving citizens feeling a loss of control over their city.

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As a citizen, I want to reclaim Krakow. I want to be a representative of the group that feels we have lost control over our city, that democracy in Krakow is not working.

Bocheńczak contends that Krakow has become entangled in a "huge network of connections and interests," suggesting a system where cronyism, rather than public service, dictates governance. He criticizes both the outgoing mayor, Jacek Majchrowski, and the potential for PiS to take control, drawing parallels with what he sees as PiS's own issues with favoritism in regional institutions.

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For 20 years, we have been deluded by visions of fixing this city, but in reality, what is happening in Krakow is a huge network of connections and interests.

Expressing a desire to "accelerate their political agony," Bocheńczak views the upcoming elections as a critical moment to move beyond the influence of PiS. He hopes that Krakow can serve as a turning point, marking a definitive farewell to the party's political presence, though he acknowledges the party's persistent structures and resources.

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I do not want Krakow to fall into the hands of PiS. This is not the time for PiS to take power in Krakow. It will be exactly the same.

He emphasizes that the election should focus on Krakow's specific issues, not become a national political battleground or a platform for outsiders. Bocheńczak is driven by a desire for genuine change, aiming to break free from what he perceives as a cycle of political stagnation and self-serving networks that have plagued the city.

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I want to accelerate their political agony. Perhaps Krakow will be the turning point, that we will finally say goodbye to PiS.