May 2026 sees Scottish Parliament elections with seats being offered both for constituencies and regional lists. We speak with Lukasz Furmaniak, Scottish Libertarian Party candidate, Central Scotland and Lothian regional list.
“I was looking for a force that could stop that ever growing bureaucracy and control over our lives”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I am a Pole living in Scotland for about 14 years. Over a year ago I joined the Scottish libertarian party as I was looking for a force that could stop that ever growing bureaucracy and control over our lives that I have noticed for quite some time now. I went for one meeting and immediately felt that I had found home. Our party is the only real alternative to what we have now.
You’re the prospective candidate for Central Scotland and Lothian West regional list, what are the major concerns in the area?
The concerns of the area are the same as the concerns nationwide. Hurdles put in our way by the government, the more lucrative business type the more you will need to spend first to be able to start it in the first place. For example, try to open an energy supplying business.
“Making it easier to start a business, getting rid of some licences, permissions and corresponding to them bodies”
What do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?
There are so many things here that it is hard to choose. But as I mentioned just a moment ago, I think our main focus should be on broadly understood bureaucracy. Making it easier to start a business, getting rid of some licences, permissions and corresponding to them bodies. Second important fight is to get the government budget balanced.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You visit our website: https://scottishlibertarians.com/
we are also quite active on the X platform: https://x.com/ScoLibertarian
or you can email me directly at: lukasz.furmaniak@scottishlibertarians.com
You can also read our 2026 Manifesto at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rbi1nzoqkkgkzldjnvoy2/Scottish-Libertarian-Manifesto-2026.pdf?rlkey=kbnw6vcsxm5s3mpgoaykauuqb&e=1&st=z4g96fo8&dl=0.
