Karol Nawrocki, a right-wing historian, has been elected as Poland’s new president, according to the state electoral commission. Nawrocki secured 50.9% of the votes, narrowly defeating Warsaw’s liberal mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski, who received 49.1%. This election marked a dramatic shift from early exit polls that initially showed Trzaskowski leading with 50.3% to Nawrocki’s 49.7%.
After the first exit poll results were announced, Trzaskowski claimed victory, while Nawrocki urged his supporters to remain hopeful, emphasizing that the race was too close to call. As the final results came in, Trzaskowski reflected on the tight contest, mentioning that the phrase "razor’s edge" would now be part of Poland’s political language.
As president, Nawrocki is expected to use his veto power to challenge the pro-European Union policies of Prime Minister Donald Tusk. This victory is seen as a boost for Nawrocki’s supporters in the national conservative Law and Justice party, which lost power about eighteen months ago. They are now energized and optimistic about their chances in the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2027.
Nawrocki, who supports traditional Catholic values and Polish sovereignty, has expressed support for Ukraine but opposes its NATO and EU membership during the ongoing conflict with Russia. While the Polish presidency is largely ceremonial, the president can veto legislation, which could hinder Tusk’s coalition government, as they lack a strong enough majority to override such vetoes.
Both candidates showed support for continued aid to Ukraine, but they differed significantly in their views on the EU. Trzaskowski advocates for a Poland integrated into the European mainstream, while Nawrocki emphasizes a more independent and sovereign stance, resisting further power transfers to Brussels.
Before entering the race, Nawrocki was relatively unknown on the national stage. He was chosen as the unofficial candidate by the Law and Justice party and presented as a strong figure who would advocate for the interests of ordinary Poles. His campaign included a brief visit to Washington, where he met with former President Donald Trump, a moment he highlighted during his campaign.
As Nawrocki prepares to take office, the political landscape in Poland is poised for change, with supporters eager to see how his presidency will unfold and impact the nation’s future.