Kraków to Hold Snap Mayoral Election on September 27
After a recall referendum removed Mayor Aleksander Miszalski in May, Poland's largest city prepares for a snap election to fill the vacant office. Independent candidate Łukasz Gibała is considered the frontrunner.
Kraków residents will vote on September 27, 2026, to elect a new mayor following the May recall of Aleksander Miszalski of the Civic Coalition (KO). The snap election, scheduled 126 days after Miszalski's removal, fills a vacancy that has been managed by an acting city commissioner since late May.
Miszalski, who had served less than two years of his five-year term, faced escalating disapproval over his handling of city debt, accusations of cronyism, and policies including a controversial "Clean Transport Zone" and paid Sunday parking. His approval rating collapsed from 28.5% in September 2025 to 59.7% disapproval by February 2026, ultimately triggering the successful recall referendum.
Key Details
- Łukasz Gibała, an independent who narrowly lost the 2024 mayoral race to Miszalski with 48.96% of the vote, is widely expected to run
- The election is a significant midterm test for Prime Minister Donald Tusk's ruling Civic Coalition in a year without national elections
- Opposition parties including the Law and Justice party (PiS) have backed the recall campaign, hoping to dent KO's strength in one of Poland's traditionally liberal large cities
If you are a resident or planning to settle in Kraków, this election signals a political shift in the city. Watch for how the new administration addresses municipal debt and transport policies—issues that directly affect daily life and property values for expat communities.
Sources
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