Poland Votes in Populist President, Defying Polls and Tusk!

2025-06-02 06:00:39.671

Conservative Karol Nawrocki secured victory in Poland's presidential runoff election, defeating liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski with 50.89% of the vote. The extremely close race highlighted deep divisions within the country. An initial exit poll incorrectly predicted Trzaskowski's win. Nawrocki's victory suggests a more populist and nationalist direction for Poland. While the Polish prime minister holds significant daily power, the president's influence on foreign policy and legislative veto power is substantial. Nawrocki's win poses challenges for Prime Minister Donald Tusk, hindering his ability to fulfill campaign promises such as reforming the court system and easing abortion restrictions, promises made to both voters and the EU. Nawrocki, a 42-year-old former amateur boxer and historian, was a strategic choice by the Law and Justice party for a fresh start after their 2023 electoral loss. His background at the Institute of National Remembrance, known for its nationalist stance, and his past actions (including toppling Soviet monuments and a street brawl) have been prominent aspects of his image. Nawrocki's campaign benefited from support from U.S. President Donald Trump, including a White House visit and endorsements from Trump allies. This support fueled expectations of stronger ties with the U.S. While Nawrocki supports Ukraine, he has voiced criticism of President Zelenskyy and plans to prioritize Polish citizens for social services, potentially straining relations with Ukrainian refugees.