 |
| Gliwice Makes History: Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka of KO Elected as First Female Mayor |
Breaking Barriers:
Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka Makes History as Gliwice's First Female Mayor
Katarzyna
Kuczyńska-Budka, on behalf of KKW Koalicja Obywatelska (KO), achieves a
historic victory by becoming the first female mayor of Gliwice and putting her
mark on the city's history. Receiving 50.56 percent of the vote in the second
round of local elections, she narrowly defeated her challenger Mariusz Śpiewok
of KWW Koalicja Dla Gliwic Zygmunt Frankiewicz by a total of 540 votes, based
on the results published by the National Electoral Commission.
A New Era Begins:
Transformation in Gliwice's Political Landscape
With
a 37.81% voter turnout, Gliwice witnesses an important crossroads in the
country's political past. The mayoral position has only been held by men since
city government established in 1990. Zygmunt Frankiewicz worked as mayor from
1993 to 2019, and he had the longest term of any contender.
Forward-Thinking Leadership:
Kuczyńska-Budka's Vision for Gliwice
Kuczyńska-Budka
presents an ambitious and innovative strategy for Gliwice. She promises in her
opening remarks to select a city designer to take charge of the development of
Gliwice into a flourishing garden city. She plans to address the need for a new
hospital and proposes building a Medical University of Silesia facility within
the city, highlighting healthcare as the most important issue.
Experienced and Dedicated:
Kuczyńska-Budka's Leadership Journey
With
an abundance of experience in local government, Kuczyńska-Budka fulfils
experienced management to her new post. She's a member of the Civic Forum group
and served in several of legislative and managerial positions over the past,
including working on the Gliwice city council. In private, she is wed to the
head of the Ministry of State Assets, Borys Budka.
Shifting Priorities:
Contrasting Candidates and Electoral Outcomes
In contrast, Śpiewok's candidacy was aligned with the legacy of
former mayor Zygmunt Frankiewicz. Despite a strong showing in the initial
round, where Kuczyńska-Budka secured 38.62% of the votes, Śpiewok's support
ultimately dwindled in the final face-off.
Reflecting Change:
Political Dynamics in Gliwice City Council
The election results also mirror the broader political landscape
in Gliwice, with KO clinching the most seats in the Gliwice City Council.
Holding ten seats, KO emerges as a dominant force, followed by PiS with seven
and the Coalition for Gliwice with six, while the New Town Hall secures two
seats.
Milestone Moment:
Kuczyńska-Budka's Triumph and Gliwice's Future
Kuczyńska-Budka's victory signifies a significant milestone for
Gliwice, heralding a new era of inclusive governance and progressive
transformation under her leadership. As she assumes her role, all eyes are on
her to deliver on her commitments and guide Gliwice towards a prosperous
future.
