For Gibała, Sunday’s result gives him another shot at winning an office he came within a few thousand votes of securing in 2024, when he lost to Miszalski.
Miszalski subsequently faced mounting local opposition, including over Kraków’s clean-transport zone, before being recalled. Opposition parties, including Law and Justice (PiS) and parties on the far right, presented that result as evidence of weakening support for Tusk’s government ahead of the fall 2027 general election. An effort is underway to hold a similar referendum in the capital Warsaw, targeting Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, also from Tusk’s party
Sunday’s exit poll had the PiS candidate, Michał Drewnicki, in third with 19.6 percent, which would mean he misses the runoff. Nationally, however, the Tusk-led coalition may not hold onto power, with polls suggesting the PiS and the far right could form a majority.
Earlier statements from parties opposed to Tusk’s coalition indicated some could back Gibała against Piątkowska in the second round.
Turnout Sunday was 41.9%.