Introduction: As Poland gears up for its May 2025 presidential election, right-wing candidate Sławomir Mentzen of the Confederation party is making waves with a provocative proposal: send politicians’ children to the frontline first in any war. In a recent interview on Channel Zero, Mentzen argued that this measure would force lawmakers to think twice before rushing into conflicts, putting a personal stake on the line. Could this bold idea reshape Poland’s approach to war and peace? Here’s what you need to know.
A Radical Proposal to Prevent War
Sławomir Mentzen, currently third in the polls behind Rafał Trzaskowski (KO) and Karol Nawrocki (PiS), shared his unorthodox idea during a live discussion on Channel Zero. As reported by Do Rzeczy, Mentzen believes that making politicians’ children the first to face combat would act as a powerful deterrent against unnecessary wars.
“Politicians’ children should be the first to go to the front. This will introduce a mechanism — thanks to which politicians do not get involved in wars in which they should not get involved — because they then risk the health and lives of their own children,” Mentzen emphasized.
Holding Politicians Accountable
Mentzen elaborated on his stance, arguing that politicians who vote for war should bear the immediate consequences. “The task of a member of parliament is to sit in the Sejm, to make laws during a war […] while the children of politicians should be in the first row to go to war because these politicians caused the outbreak of this war, and they should be the first to suffer the consequences,” he said.
This proposal comes amid heightened discussions about Poland’s security, especially given its proximity to conflict zones and ongoing tensions with Russia. Mentzen’s idea taps into a broader sentiment of accountability, resonating with voters wary of political elites making decisions without personal risk.
Mandatory Military Training with a Twist
Beyond his frontline proposal, Mentzen also tackled the topic of military training. He advocates for mandatory training for young Poles after high school—but with caveats. “Not for everyone, because the Polish army is not able to train everyone. In addition, this training should be paid, i.e., these people should receive money for the training they undergo during this period,” he explained.
He highlighted the practical benefits: “In war, just like in any other industry (…) knowledge, experience, skills are valuable. The chance that someone who has undergone such training, who will be drafted into the army anyway, if push comes to shove, will survive is much greater.” Mentzen sees this as a way to boost national preparedness while increasing individuals’ odds of survival in a conflict.
A Broader European Trend?
Mentzen’s push for conscription aligns with similar moves elsewhere in Europe. In Germany, for instance, debates over reinstating conscription are gaining traction, with some liberal outlets urging youth to “defend freedom and diversity” by enlisting. For more on this trend, see this Google search. Poland’s right-wing candidate, however, frames his policies through a lens of pragmatism and accountability rather than ideological slogans.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Poland’s Election?
Sławomir Mentzen’s bold proposals—sending politicians’ kids to the frontline and mandating paid military training—set him apart in Poland’s crowded presidential race. Whether these ideas propel him past Trzaskowski and Nawrocki remains to be seen, but they’ve already sparked intense debate. As the 2025 election nears, Mentzen’s vision for a more accountable and prepared Poland could resonate with voters tired of politics as usual.
