From Rock Star to Political Star – Curious Case of Paweł Kukiz Persona Power

Tomasz Olczyk; Jacek Wasilewski

doi:10.21153/ps2016vol2no2art612

Authors

Tomasz Olczyk University of Warsaw, Poland
Jacek Wasilewski University of Warsaw, Poland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/ps2016vol2no2art612

Keywords:

persona, celebritisation of politics, celebrity power, electoral campaigns

Abstract

The 2015 presidential election was a turning point in a history of celebritisation of politics in Poland. Rock vocalist Paweł Kukiz unexpectedly finished third with 20% of votes, the highest result of any celebrity–candidate in presidential elections. He achieved that, campaigning mostly on Facebook, without any significant power base and financial support. Kukiz set up his own political organisation, which gained a 9% backing in the parliamentary elections. He achieved that with no political platform, no media backing, and no party structure. We argue that his persona was a crucial asset in his political success. We will show how Kukiz created, managed and performed his persona, how he used it to mobilise three million voters and then to create and brand his “Kukiz’15 Movement.” Finally, we analyse limits, traps and contradictions of persona power. Analysed material includes Paweł Kukiz’s and his opponents’ Facebook posts, televised political advertisements, performances in celebrity TV shows and debates.

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Author Biographies

Tomasz Olczyk, University of Warsaw, Poland

Tomasz Olczyk is assistant professor at University of Warsaw (Applied Social Sciences Institute), he holds PhD in sociology, his work focuses on intersections between popular culture and politics, his main research interests include televised political advertising and celebrity politics.
Jacek Wasilewski, University of Warsaw, Poland

Jack Wasilewski, media scholar, awarded PhD with a dissertation on Polish identity narratives. Founder of the Document Studies at the University of Warsaw. Semiotician, expert in communication, storytelling in advertising and avid follower of popular culture. Interested in the intricacies of meaning.

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