Wojciech Olejniczak; photo - PAP

Left wing candidate for mayoral elections in Warsaw, Wojciech Olejniczak, has said that it is “time to stop mourning the tragedy of Smolensk,” and start a serious debate about the future.

Olejniczak, a former leader of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) blew out a symbolic candle in front of the Presidential Palace on Thursday in front of assembled journalists.

“We all experienced that tragedy but let me say clearly […] that after All Saints Day, after a period of reflection, the time of mourning is now over. I propose an end to mourning and suggest a serious, substantive debate about the future, about what we need to change Poland,” said Olejniczak.

The SLD candidate for president of Warsaw said however that he will never forget those close to him who died in the plane crash which killed 96 politicians and military top brass.

“I will never forget [SLD politicians] Jerzy Szmajdzinski, Jolanta Szymanek-Deresz, Izabela Jaruga-Nowacka - people whom I knew who died near Smolensk. But above all I remember what they taught me - to work positively [for the future].” he said.

Local elections take place in Poland on 21 November and 5 December. (pg)