PM candidates debate ahead of elections

Two Prime Ministerial candidates Beata Szydło (PiS) and Ewa Kopacz (PO) clashed in a televised debated on Monday evening ahead of parliamentary elections. The debate was divided into three thematic blocks: the economy, foreign affairs and policy plans. Speaking about economic matters Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz assured that her party will work on giving young people a chance for a better life. "I can promise young people that you will earn as much as your peers in the West." Kopacz also declared that she will eliminate junk contracts and promised to introduce a minimum wage of PLN 12 per hour. Beata Szydło addressed migrants, saying that PiS "has prepared a programme for young families to attract them back to the country, including a plan to give families PLN 500 for each child." Referring to foreign affairs, Szydło said that Poland's position in the EU is not that strong. "The agreement for Nordstream 2 was signed behind Poland's back. Poland should have the same chances as other members in the EU." Kopacz replied that "the fact that we have an Energy Union is thanks to our strong presence in the European Union, in part thanks to the European Council President Donald Tusk." She also said that Poland will take in as many migrants as it can afford.

In the final stage of the debate, the Prime Minister stressed the government's achievements in the last few years. "We built a beautiful country – transport and sport infrastructure. We have built a sense of safety in our country. That is what scares me now, that people who want to govern the country will not provide that."

Beata Szydło replied that Poland is a beautiful country, but it deserves better.