Poland's opposition leader Donald Tusk said the serious times facing Poland required 'brave and experienced leaders'. Photograph: Omar Marques/Getty ImagesMr Kacyzsnki, head of the ruling Law and Justice , blamed a scheduling conflict for his absence from Monday’s only direct face-off of Polish political leaders.
In a debate dominated by the retirement age and welfare benefits, PiS prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki accused Mr Tusk – a one-term leader until 2015 – and his liberal alliance of planning to squeeze the least well-off. Even before it went on air, Monday’s debate was mired in confusion and controversy. Polish state broadcaster TVP, with a staunch pro-government line, was criticised for airing the debate at 6.30pm rather than the usual evening slot. Following the debate it aired a film repeating baseless PiS campaign claims that Mr Tusk is an agent of big business and Berlin.
Some analysts fear this and other new requirements may lead to widespread disenfranchisement of non-resident Poles and may be unconstitutional, given these provisions do not apply at home.