In a tightly contested runoff election, Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by Poland’s right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS), has emerged victorious in the country’s presidential race. Nawrocki secured 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating the liberal, pro-EU candidate Rafal Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%.
Despite earlier polls favoring Trzaskowski, the final results painted a different picture. At one point on Sunday evening, Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw and a key figure in the Civic Coalition, even declared victory prematurely.
Who is Karol Nawrocki?
Nawrocki, known for his nationalist ideology and skepticism toward the European Union, has drawn strong comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump. He campaigned on a platform of “defending Polish values”, opposing what he sees as EU overreach into Polish sovereignty.
His win signals a potential shift in the power dynamic within Poland’s centrist government, currently led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Given the president’s power to veto legislation, Nawrocki’s stance could significantly hinder or reshape the government’s reform agenda.
Law and Justice party supported candidate for the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki. Picture: Getty
What This Means for Poland and Europe
The result is likely to unsettle Poland’s neighbors and EU partners. As the country leans further into nationalist and conservative policy, concerns are growing over potential deterioration in EU relations, especially regarding judicial independence, media freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights.
In contrast, Trzaskowski had promised progressive social policies, including increased rights for women and the LGBTQ+ community. His loss is seen as a setback for Poland’s pro-EU and liberal factions.
Election Recap
First round (May 18):
Trzaskowski: ~31%
Nawrocki: ~30%
11 other candidates eliminated
Runoff (June 1):
Nawrocki: 50.89%
Trzaskowski: 49.11%
With outgoing President Andrzej Duda completing his second term, Nawrocki’s ascent marks the beginning of a new, possibly more turbulent chapter in Polish politics.
