Dispute over suburban property reporting

A confrontation erupted in the Krakow mayoral election campaign after television channel wPolsce24 dispatched a reporting crew to a gated housing development in Nadarzyn near Warsaw, located 28 kilometres from the Polish capital and 280 kilometres from Krakow. Reporter Stanisław Pyrzanowski filmed a segment at the Triton Country estate, questioning whether Civic Coalition candidate Monika Piątkowska resides far from the city she seeks to lead and asking local residents about commuting distance. On Saturday, Piątkowska announced on social media that unknown individuals had staked out her residence and attempted to photograph her son.

Candidate announces legal action and debate boycott

During a Sunday press conference in Krakow, Piątkowska accused the broadcaster of stalking her child while she was speaking to media in Krakow on Friday. She confirmed plans to initiate formal legal proceedings against those involved and refused an invitation to a mayoral debate organized by wPolsce24.

“There are circles in our city that are ready to do everything, absolutely everything, to seize power. There are circles in our city that have no brakes, no boundaries. Which fight in a brutal way, breaking the law, not only against the candidate, but against her family. This is the line that I will not allow to be crossed.”

Piątkowska maintained that her son holds no public office and plays no role in the election contest. Addressing the channel directly, she made her refusal to join the debate explicit.

“You crossed a line that cannot be crossed. You raised your hand against my family and against my child.”

Broadcaster rejects stalking accusations

Representatives of wPolsce24 rejected the allegations, describing Piątkowska's claims as an attempt to deflect scrutiny regarding her primary residence. Editor-in-chief Jacek Karnowski stated that the news crew entered the complex through an open entrance in a marked company car with visible station branding on equipment.

“The reporter of Telewizja wPolsce24 did not film, did not want to film, did not search for, and did not look out for the adult son of Mrs. Monika Piątkowska. He entered the estate and recorded a standard poll among residents. The insinuation regarding the son is either pure fabrication or concerns another editorial team.”

The channel's editorial leadership stated that their reporting focused exclusively on the candidate's declared ties to Krakow and her living arrangements. Programme director Mariusz Pilis also prepared a statement on the broadcast, while the network stated it opposes the tracking or photographing of non-public figures and minors.

Runoff election scheduled for October 11

The dispute unfolds one week before voters in Krakow head to the polls on 11 October 2026 for the second round of the snap mayoral race. The early election follows a local referendum in May 2026 that removed former mayor Aleksander Miszalski from office.

Łukasz Gibała36.38%

Monika Piątkowska29.91%

Łukasz Gibała

36.38 %

Monika Piątkowska

29.91 %

Data from the article text

Piątkowska, a Civic Coalition senator and president of the Grain and Feed Chamber in Warsaw, advanced to the runoff after capturing 29.91% of the vote in the opening ballot. She faces city councillor and local businessman Łukasz Gibała, who finished in first place with 36.38% of the initial vote.