Polish opposition leadership bid down to one candidate
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
02.01.2016 14:02
Former foreign minister Grzegorz Schetyna has become the only remaining candidate in the bid for the leadership of defeated centrist party Civic Platform, which lost the 25 October general election.
Grzegorz Schetyna PAP/Jakub Kamiński
Rival candidate Tomasz Siemoniak, who had served as defence minister from 2011 to 2015, stood down from the race on New Year's Eve.
Attending a joint press conference with Schetyna, Siemoniak claimed that “democracy is in a critical condition” under the new government of the conservative Law and Justice party, and he argued that “exceptional unity” is needed within Civic Platform.
Online voting for the next leader of the party continues nonetheless. Party members began voting on Saturday, and they can cast votes until 7 January. The new leader will be formally announced on 24 January. (nh)