Poland has a new president. Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist and conservative, has won the presidential election with 50.89 percent of the votes. His opponent, Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw, received 49.11 percent. The National Electoral Commission announced the results after all votes were counted on Monday.
Nawrocki’s victory poses challenges for the current centrist government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Nawrocki has promised to use his presidential veto to block Tusk’s reforms, which could create tension in the government. His win is seen as a boost for right-wing groups in Europe and the United States.
At 42, Nawrocki is a historian and amateur boxer. He previously led a national remembrance institute. His campaign focused on prioritizing economic and social policies for Polish citizens, often expressing skepticism about refugees from Ukraine.
The election was closely contested, with early exit polls suggesting Trzaskowski might win before the tide turned in Nawrocki’s favor. Nawrocki will take over from Andrzej Duda, who is also aligned with the nationalist Law & Justice party. Duda’s term ends on August 6, and he has been a key figure in the government’s efforts to reform the judicial system, a move that has sparked disputes with the European Union.
Tusk has faced difficulties in fulfilling promises related to abortion access and LGBTQ rights, which could complicate his ability to govern until the next parliamentary election in 2027.
Nawrocki’s campaign received significant support from the "Make America Great Again" movement in the U.S. Former President Donald Trump welcomed him to the White House, and U.S. officials have indicated that military ties with Poland could strengthen under Nawrocki’s leadership. He has also been vocal about his views on Ukraine, criticizing its president while maintaining support for the country.
His election has sparked celebrations among right-wing leaders in Europe, with Hungarian officials calling it a victory for patriotic movements. Nawrocki’s approach to governance and policies will likely shape Poland’s direction in the coming years, especially in relation to its stance on refugees and social services.