Commentators harsh on left candidate's presidential manifesto

The 35-year-old historian and former minor soap-opera actress presented her presidential manifesto on Sunday, sparking countless reactions from both ends of the political spectrum.

She is the official candidate of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD), the third largest party in opposition.

Journalist and political commentator, Tomasz Lis, wrote that the candidate has bitten off more than she can chew, taking into consideration that she has very little political experience.

“At her first press conference she declared (before [SLD party leader] Leszek Miller took the microphone and prevented her declaring anything), she wants to change the law in Poland,” Lis wrote in a blog post. “Great,” he added, “[she is] ambitious and has very ambitious plans.”

No Know-How

Ogórek started her press conference by saying that she had gained work experience both in the President's and Prime Minister's chancelleries, and that she had worked as a consultant for the National Bank of Poland. However, Newsweek states that this does not mean she has ever gained the valuable political experience needed for such an important position.

It is not that her manifesto was not enthusiastic.

"I want to rework the legal code by working with the Presidential Codification committee,” Ogórek said on Sunday.

“The committee will have clearly defined tasks. Firstly, the law is to be simple. Secondly, it must be unambiguous. Thirdly, it must be strictly necessary, and fourth it must serve the people.”

Following the unsuccessful debut on Sunday by Ogórek, who holds a doctorate in religious history, feminist activist Agnieszka Grzybek tweeted, “This is a campaign of a painted doll,” adding “I do not like women who can be moved around like a fern,” referring to the Polish practice of decorating interiors with common fern plants. (rg)