Donald Tusk pulls ahead of opponents as Religa bows out of presidential race

This means his backing is twice as large as his two most significant competitors, Lech Kaczyński of Law and Justice (PiS) and Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD). Tusk's support considerably increased after Friday's decision by another presidential candidate Zbigniew Religa to withdraw from the battle and to support Tusk. Just a few months ago Religa was able to count on as much as 20% support. Most probably his voters have now turned to Tusk. Another important event in the presidential battle was the announcement of Lech Wałęsa who also said he will support the PO leader. The presidential campaigns also influence the future of the parliamentary ballot. The increase of Tusk in the rankings also led to the increase in support for his party, which increased from 21% in July to the current 38%. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 1) A.K.