Adrian Zandberg, leader of the left-wing Razem party & rising star presidential hopeful in Poland. Magdalena Biejat, head of the Lewica party, is proving to be a surging force on the political stage. Yet, both candidates are expressions of a newly energized leftist movement that has always lingered on the fringes of Polish politics. Their unique approaches, particularly on climate, appeal to younger, urban voters. This will undoubtedly make the upcoming elections a crucial battleground for the future of leftist politics in the nation.
In the 2023 parliamentary elections, Zandberg’s Razem party secured 5.3 percent of the vote, while Biejat’s Lewica party is part of the ruling Civic Coalition alongside the center-right Civic Platform. As they prepare for the presidential contest, both candidates aim to solidify their influence within the left and attract undecided voters.
Diverging Paths and Similar Goals
Adrian Zandberg has made himself the strongest opponent of neoliberal ideas that dominate the other candidates. His platform is built around delivering quality public services, including affordable housing and the largest investment in our city’s history in education and scientific research. He fervently believes in creating a better Poland where citizens do not suffer from long wait times for medical services.
“I believe that we can build a different, better Poland. I believe that we can afford for Poland to become a country with decent public services,” – Adrian Zandberg.
Biejat, deputy marshal of the Senate, staunchly supports her party’s decision to enter into the coalition government. She wants to make sure this decision is the right one for moving progress down the road. Yet she readily and proudly identifies her party’s many achievements. These are things like raising funeral allowances and introducing paid leave for parents of premature babies that directly affect the lives of constituents.
“It is thanks to Lewica being in the government that we managed to introduce a pension supplement for widows. We managed to introduce a pilot programme which shortened working hours. We managed to increase the funeral allowance,” – Magdalena Biejat.
While both leaders have distinct philosophies, their ultimate goal remains the same: revitalizing the left and making it relevant to contemporary Polish society.
Challenges Ahead for the Left
Both winners have steep mountains to climb on the path ahead. They are eager to place themselves as attractive alternatives to the establishment, or status quo, politics. Other political analysts, such as Jakub Majmurek, insist the left still face serious and persistent hurdles. They have found it impossible to regain the support of pro-social Law and Justice voters.
“Because these voters are often calculating and feel that Law and Justice is a much more credible welfare provider than the weak left,” Majmurek emphasizes. A complicating factor is that these voters tend to be quite conservative. They are more likely to attend the church and to be more socially conservative on issues.
The internal dynamics on the left are another area of potential complication. Bartosz Rydlinski explains that achieving results above 5 percent for each candidate would signify a successful showing in the presidential contest. On the flip side, scores lower than 4 percent would mean a daunting crisis is on the horizon.
The Future of Leftist Politics in Poland
As Zandberg and Biejat continue prepping for their electoral battle, we hope to see them lead the way toward a more equitable Poland. Their goal is to offer a new home to citizens increasingly jaded with Austria’s traditional parties. Their platforms have struck a chord especially with younger voters who place a high value on social justice and progressive policies.
“That would be the best scenario for the left. Especially if both candidates receive a similar percentage of the vote. That would show that none of them is a hegemon and cannot build the left without the other,” remarks an anonymous source discussing the candidates’ potential impact on the left’s future.
The face of the upcoming elections will surely test their ability to mobilize support. They need to prove they’re able to come together to strengthen leftist presence in Poland. On the very dynamic political scene, Zandberg and Biejat are taking leadership. Representationally, they represent the hopes of millions who want change from the old ways of Polish society.
