Łukasz Gibała – Member of the Polish Parliament, entrepreneur, Doctor of Philosophy of the Jagiellonian University

Despite his young age, Łukasz Gibała has already tried an academic and business career. His goals have always been very ambitious, almost beyond one’s reach. Invariably, he achieves them all...

Education

Having passed his Matura Exams he chose philosophy for his studies ‘in order to learn logical analysis’ as he puts it. After graduation he decided to become an academic. His aim was to write a doctoral thesis under one of the worlds best logicians’ wing. He went to the University of Notre Dame (USA) to accomplish this plan with professor Platinga. At the end of his scholarship, the university authorities asked him to stay and offered him a job. He turned the offer down and came back to Poland. ‘I have done everything I planned to do there. The rest is waiting for me in Poland’ – he said to his astonished friends after his return. The theme of his doctoral thesis was: 'Possible-worlds semantics yet metaphysical modality'. When asked what it concerned, he replies that it would take some time to explain. Earlier in business, now in politics, he uses logical analysis on a day-to-day basis. The most important files on his computer are short-, medium- and long-term workplans. He likes challenging, unusual words. Reading, listening to the music and playing tennis are the most relaxing activities for him.

Entrepreneurship

During his studies he started to work as an investment advisor at his father’s company, later he became a co-owner. However, in the family business he hadn’t felt challenged enough. He made a courageous decision – he set up two companies of his own. For three years he was responsible for investments of a business hiring 500 employees. Shortly afterwards he made up his mind to look for some new adventures.

Politics – another challenge

His political career started very inconspicuously – he became a social assistant of one of the most popular politicians of the Civic Platform (PO), which he joined in 2004. A few years later he led the victorious campaign of Senator Jarosław Gowin. Along with the youth from the electoral staff he set up a new PO circle in Krakow. There was seven of them then. Nowadays, there is around 300 members of The Education Circle (Koło Edukacji) of which he is still the chairperson. This association is considered one of the most active circles in the region.

When he decided to take part in the local self-government elections in 2006 no one believed he would succeed. But a few months later, he got the third biggest amount of votes and became the youngest councillor in Krakow. After only six months, his colleagues entrusted him with the leadership of one of the most important commissions. As councillor, he made every endeavor to ensure the development of the Balice Airport, fair allocation of the European Union’s funds for the Malopolska region, as well as the improvement of infrastructure. He quickly realized that all crucial decisions are being made in Warsaw and therefore he resolved to be a candidate for a Member of Polish Parliament. He acquired 11,5 thousand votes and so entered the Sejm, which was considered his great victory.

Gibała for others

He admits that thanks to being a co-owner of two innovative companies, he’s a man of means. He shares his money willingly but always judiciously. He helps e.g. the “U Siemachy” Association, pensioners from Krakow's Nowa Huta, he patronizes the “Hutnika Kraków” Honorary Blood Donors Club, he is a blood-donor too.

Politics is team work

He often repeats that politics is a joint effort and nothing here can be done alone. He has managed to unite 60 Members of Parliament and councillors from almost all political fractions in a common fight for the Balice Airport. He tries to bring the local PO milieu together, inter alia through sport. The Education Circle plays regular football and volleyball matches with other PO Circles. In the ‘long-term plans’ file he wrote: ‘The president of Krakow from PO’. His main concern is for his party to be able to put forward a serious candidate in the 2010 elections. He cares a lot about the fact that the PO candidate should be a real, strong manager.