Trzaskowski at the debate: I like Soros alternatively than Orban

During yesterday's debate, candidates for the Presidential Palace had a sharp exchange of views on abroad policy. Rafał Trzaskowski, representing the Civic Coalition, faced Karol Nawrocki – a candidate supported by the Law and the current president of the IPN.

One of the main points of the dispute were allegations of Trzaskowski's ties to abroad financing.

Nawrocki attacked directly:

– Is this even fitting, Mr Rafale? – he asked, suggesting that Trzaskowski receives funds from abroad sources. – You are financed by German foundations, by Mr. Soros, during the run you support abroad capital.

Trzaskowski replied briefly and decisively:

– Of course, it's not true..

The president of Warsaw besides referred to the issue of experience in abroad policy, highlighting his own competences and achievements:

– We managed to make many good initiatives like Campus Poland's Future. The PiS tried, and it didn't work out. I run the Polish business. The most crucial thing is experience in global politics, the most crucial thing is to be able to form coalitions..

Trzaskowski besides criticised Nawrocki's deficiency of experience, reminding his visit to Moscow after Russia's annexation of Crimea:

– One needs to know how to be effective and how to prosecute Polish business. Experience is crucial here. And those languages you mock are useful. He stressed.

Nawrocki returned to the subject of abroad financing:

– You're being funded by the German foundations and Mr. Soros and you haven't said anything about it..

Then 1 of the strongest speeches of the debate fell. Trzaskowski answered plainly:

– I like Soros to Orban. It is not actual to fund a run with abroad money. We can talk in court about this..

The debate showed a clear division in the approach to abroad policy and relations with global partners. Mr Trzaskowski stressed the importance of experience, cooperation and competence, Nawrocki – sovereignty and suspicion of abroad influence. Trzaskovsky's answer about Soros and Orban can resonate in public space for a long time.