Łukasz Gibała elected mayor of Kraków with 62.12% in the runoff

According to results from all 454 polling stations, Łukasz Gibała won 161,184 votes, or 62.12%. Monika Piątkowska, the candidate of the Civic Coalition (KO) and PSL, received 98,306 votes (37.88%). Turnout was 44.27%, slightly higher than in the first round (43.5%). Gazeta Krakowska says it is the best percentage result in the history of Kraków's mayoral elections.

Why there was an election

The early election followed a referendum in May in which residents recalled mayor Aleksander Miszalski. Until the new mayor is sworn in, planned for 21 October, the city is run by commissioner Stanisław Kracik.

First promises

"After 24 years the people of Kraków have got their city back," Gibała said after the results. He also admitted: "The next two years will be very difficult. Kraków's budget is in a terrible state." Among his first decisions he promises a park in the Prądnik Valley (about 200 hectares) and a return to the old public transport fares, including the 20-minute ticket. At 6:45 on Monday he handed out obwarzanek bagels at the Mogilskie roundabout.

Piątkowska said she would keep a close eye on the new mayor. It is not yet clear how Gibała will work with a city council where other parties hold the majority.