Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist opposition candidate, narrowly won Poland’s presidential election with 50.89% of the vote, according to election commission results released Monday. His victory poses a significant challenge to the centrist government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, potentially intensifying political gridlock in Warsaw.
Nawrocki’s win threatens to block Tusk’s liberal agenda, particularly efforts to reverse judicial reforms enacted under the previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government. Current President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, had previously vetoed such reforms, and Nawrocki is expected to follow suit.
Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal Warsaw mayor and Tusk’s ruling Civic Coalition candidate, received 49.11% of the vote. The election saw a record high turnout of 71.31% in the second round.
Trzaskowski conceded defeat, congratulating Nawrocki, while acknowledging the country’s deep division. Observers note that though Poland’s parliament holds most power, the president’s veto and foreign policy influence remain critical.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Nawrocki, recognizing Poland’s vital support amid the war in Ukraine. Nawrocki, 42, a political newcomer with a background in national remembrance, expressed continued support for Ukraine but criticized Zelenskyy and opposed Ukraine joining Western alliances.
Nawrocki’s platform emphasizes protecting Polish sovereignty, opposing EU interference, and prioritizing Polish citizens over Ukrainian refugees for social services. He signed a declaration refusing any EU treaties that would weaken Poland’s position.
Despite controversy over alleged criminal connections and involvement in a street brawl, Nawrocki denied wrongdoing and received praise from nationalist and eurosceptic figures across Central Europe, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The election outcome follows a recent centrist victory in Romania and could influence eurosceptic momentum in neighboring countries. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed optimism for continued cooperation with Poland.
Swifteradio.com
