Kraków mayoral election: 12 candidates apply for office

The registration process for the extraordinary mayoral election in Kraków has concluded, with 12 candidates having submitted their applications. As of the deadline, four candidates have been officially registered: Michał Drewnicki (PiS), Monika Piątkowska (supported by KO and PSL), Jan Hoffman, and Aleksandra Owca (Partia Razem). The Municipal Electoral Commission is currently verifying the remaining eight submissions, including those from Łukasz Gibała, Bartosz Bocheńczak, Daria Gosek-Popiołek, and others, with a final decision expected by Monday.

The registration period was marked by technical challenges, particularly regarding voter signatures. Candidate Łukasz Gibała faced significant hurdles after the commission invalidated over 3,000 of his signatures due to the omission of the word ‘Kraków’ in residential addresses. His campaign responded by collecting additional signatures to ensure registration.

Political dynamics are also shifting as the Rozwój Plus association, linked to Mateusz Morawiecki, has not fielded its own candidate and is conditioning its support for Michał Drewnicki on his adherence to specific local policy demands. Meanwhile, Marianna Schreiber announced her withdrawal from the race, criticizing the conduct and financial influence of other candidates. The election, triggered by the recall of previous mayor Aleksander Miszalski, is scheduled for September 27.