Tusk dissolves Civic Coalition's Małopolska structures after Kraków referendum defeat, appoints Niedziela as commissioner

A 'situation without precedent'

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, leader of the Civic Coalition (KO), dissolved the party's Małopolska regional structures on Monday, 1 June 2026. The decision came one week after Kraków voters recalled Mayor Aleksander Miszalski in a referendum held on 24 May, with 171,581 residents voting for his removal. Miszalski had also served as head of KO's Małopolska structures, a position he lost as a direct consequence of the dissolution.

A situation without precedent has occurred. It is not often that a mayor is recalled after such a short time.

Government spokesman Adam Szłapka described the move as a necessary reset, emphasizing that the goal was to bring a fresh, external perspective to the region. Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Dorota Niedziela was appointed commissioner and will oversee preparations for both the snap mayoral election in Kraków and internal party elections for a new regional leadership.

Miszalski accepts the decision

Aleksander Miszalski, who had declared just last week that he intended to remain as regional head, said he fully understands and accepts the decision. He acknowledged that sometimes structures need to be reset to unleash new energy, adding that the upcoming mayoral election is the top priority.

The goal is the most important thing. I absolutely hold no grudge.

Miszalski offered his full support to Niedziela and said his political future is the least important matter at this moment. He noted that his two years of deep knowledge of the city could still prove useful.

Two defeats behind the decision

According to KO MP Jerzy Meysztowicz, the dissolution was driven by two failures: the party's inability to secure a majority in the Małopolska regional assembly during local elections, and now the referendum defeat in Kraków. He stressed that the blame does not fall solely on Miszalski but on the entire regional structure.

This defeat burdens all of us. I too am a member of KO in the Małopolska structures and I am partly responsible for it.

Analysts note that Tusk's move signals to all regional structures nationwide that electoral defeats carry consequences and that full engagement at every level is required ahead of next year's parliamentary elections.

The race for Kraków's mayoral seat

The snap election for Kraków's mayor is expected in August, though the official calendar will be announced after a court reviews any electoral protests related to the referendum. KO has not yet named its candidate. Names circulating include Senator Monika Piątkowska, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz, and Paweł Kowal. Szłapka declined to comment on frontrunners when pressed by journalists.

Other parties are also positioning themselves. The Left's Aleksandra Owca has confirmed her candidacy, while Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski expressed support for Daria Gosek-Popiołek. PiS, through Przemysław Czarnek, has proposed a joint right-wing candidate with Konfederacja. Łukasz Gibała's candidacy remains unconfirmed.

Niedziela's mission

Dorota Niedziela stated her immediate priority is to tour the region, meet with local activists, and assess what is and is not working within the structures. She emphasized that selecting a mayoral candidate is a separate matter to be decided by national party authorities.

It is difficult to talk about structures without structures. That is why I will prepare a plan of visits in the region and tour Małopolska to speak with everyone about what works and what does not in the structures.

She did not rule out the possibility that Miszalski could run in the upcoming election, stressing that no one is talking about revenge or blame, and that the priority is preparing for the snap vote.