Poland sees wave of mayoral removal referendums

Local activist groups in several Polish cities have launched referendums to oust sitting mayors. In Warsaw, the "Stołeczna Operacja Referendalna" plans to start gathering signatures in mid‑July, aiming for the required 132 000 signatures (about 10 % of voters) and a December vote to remove Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. Organisers note the referendum would also need a turnout of three‑fifths of the 2018‑19 municipal election voters, roughly 450 000 participants.

In the town of Brzeg, residents have filed a petition to recall Mayor Violetta Jaskólska‑Palus, citing salary increases, higher taxes and alleged disregard for residents. The committee must collect at least 2 520 valid signatures, representing 10 % of the electorate, by the legal deadline.

Częstochowa’s campaign, backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, seeks to remove Mayor Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk of the Left after corruption investigations. The initiative needs 15 900 signatures from eligible voters, with a collection period ending 17 August.

These moves occur amid broader political turbulence in Warsaw, where Mayor Trzaskowski faces scandals over hospital management, water utilities and city road authorities, intensifying pressure on the ruling Civic Coalition.