Ogórek - A sweet pickle for President

Just a couple of days after planned World War II remembrance observances May 8, Poland will hold presidential elections.

One of the candidates, Magdalena Ogórek is raising a few eyebrows. A former television presenter with striking good looks, Ogórek was selected to represent the Polish social democrats in the May 10 election. 

However, her candidacy is garnering more attention for her outer qualities, rather than her inner qualities. The 35-year-old Ogórek has been criticized for not having much political experience. A closer look at her background shows she is the host of an international newscast in Poland, and holds a doctorate in history. She is also an author, lecturer and, most recently, was a media consultant to Poland’s central bank. 


Her candidacy has created a media fury, with news outlets focusing more on her appearance than her accomplishments. Ogórek has been subjected to criticism surrounding her political qualifications and had her surname - which translates as ‘cucumber’ – mocked. 

Polls show her unlikely to win the election, with incumbent, Bronisław Komorowski firmly in the lead. 

Parliamentary Speaker Radosław Sikorski, who announced the election date dismissed concerns that it's too close to the disputed end of World War II remembrance ceremonies, traditionally held in Moscow on May 9. Poland, the war's first victim, is planning an international ceremony on May 8.