New candidate for the presidential elections

The Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) is in real trouble. After doing poorly in the last few years, many would expect from their leader, Leszek Miller (former Prime Minister between 2001 and 2004), to step down and let somebody else, without a communist past, rebuild the party. Miller decided instead to dismiss other charismatic members and autocratically proclaimed that Ms. Ogorek will be the SLD’s candidate in the presidential elections.

*An inexperienced candidate

It is true that this office is rather representative and that the President is aided by many advisors, while observing closely political decision-making in the country. But what is expected from a person who is Head of state? Charisma, experience, leadership skills and the ability to represent 40 million citizens – a mass of different social groups.

Unfortunately it seems like Ms. Ogórek has nor her own vision nor anyone who could help her build her political career. It is very telling that she is not allowed to answer any questions from journalists and that she only had two formal appearances. Each time she came with a prepared speech on a sheet of paper. Fortunately, Miller can always list her experience for her: she worked at the President’s chancellery, ministries‘ offices and held an "expert" position in a national bank. After just a little research it turned out that most positions were short unpaid internships. Which means that she was never in charge of making any important decisions. The most ridiculous was her last job in the Central Bank (yes, the "expert" one). There, Ms Ogorek was a member of the education department that was producing short films about the history of money. Nevertheless Mr Miller is constantly talking about her unbelievable career path.

Fortunately, she is not only beautiful and experienced but she also has a Ph.D. Diploma. It does not matter that she received it from a second-rate university, or that it her topic was the history of Church, nor that her two publications were crushed by reviewers in scientific journals (four years ago, no political context). Of course an aspirating young woman who might not be as experienced as our charming 'old boys' should not be stopped from holding a political position. But can we accept a candidacy based on lies?

*An inconsistent candidate

Assuming that personal issues are not so important, let’s take a closer look at her political program. First, from the very beginning, Ms Ogorek presented herself as the voice of young people. She doesn’t want to let them go abroad and as she said "we will teach the youth that it is worth taking a risk". Sounds rather like a survival-camp advertisement, but maybe that’s what young generations need – a risky life. Second, she wants to create a special legislative commission, which would "rewrite law from the beginning". The reason? Many people do not understand complex paragraphs, so there is an essential need to rewrite everything. We would rather expect from a President improvements on the executive level but Ms Ogorek prefers to concentrate on competences of the Parliament. Good luck with that. Last but not least, the reform of the Polish economy. Just as a little reminder, Ms Ogorek is representing Plonad's most visible left-wing party. However, taking a break from her political party's agenda, she announced that high taxes are the biggest trouble today. Ms Ogorek wants to represent entrepreneurs and cut the costs of hiring employees. So instead of improving the quality of life of the poorest group of people, she chose to cut unemployment rate, a populist measure. The inconsistency and randomness of her plans show that both her vision and her abilities to execute them are very poor.

*An unnecessary candidate

Is it a joke or a sign of desperation? Many observators highlight that the upcoming presidential campaign is just a rehearsal for the parliamentary elections, which will be taking place 5 months later. It is almost sure that incumbent President, Bronslaw Komorowski, will keep his office for a second term. And because coalition building will start soon in the Parliament, anyone who wishes to join his party's, the Civic Platform's side, is afraid to present a serious opponent. Seems like SLD and Leszek Miller have the same plan. It is a pity though that her candidacy, which cannot be taken seriously, will have long term consequences. The glass celling for young women activists won’t disappear faster.

*