Liberal Palikot plans presidential bid

Janusz Palikot. Photo: wikipedia

“Everything indicates that I will be a candidate in the presidential election,” Palikot told Polsat News on Wednesday.

“The presidential election is a test for leaders and leadership,” he said.

The party leader noted that a “formal decision” will be taken after November's local elections.

Palikot was the surprise success story of Poland's 2011 general election. His party, then known as Palikot's Movement, became the third biggest group in parliament, winning 10 percent of the vote.

The party leader is a former businessman who made his fortune in the liquor trade. He joined current ruling party Civic Platform in 2005, but parted ways in 2010.

Regarded as a maverick, in January 2012 he threatened to light a joint in parliament as part of a campaign to legalize possession of marijuana in Poland. Ultimately he lit cannabis incense sticks.

In spite of his success in the 2011 general election, support for Your Movement has been flagging over the last twelve months. An opinion poll published on 5 October by TNS Polska indicated that Your Movement would only garner 2 percent of the vote if a snap general election was held. The next election is scheduled for 2015, but parties need 5 percent to enter parliament. (nh)