CONSERVATIVE KAROL NAWROCKI WINS POLAND’S PRESIDENTIAL RUNOFF ELECTION
Conservative Karol Nawrocki has won Poland’s presidential runoff election, securing 50.89% of votes in a closely contested race against liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%. The outcome suggests Poland will likely adopt a more nationalist and populist path under Nawrocki’s leadership. Nawrocki, a 42-year-old historian and amateur boxer, was backed by US President Donald Trump, who welcomed him to the White House last month. Trump’s support was seen as a boost to Nawrocki’s campaign, with some supporters believing he would restore “normality” and maintain good ties with the US administration. Trzaskowski conceded defeat, congratulating Nawrocki and thanking his supporters. “I fought for us to build a strong, safe, honest, and empathetic Poland together,” Trzaskowski wrote on X. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to convince the majority of citizens of my vision for Poland. I’m sorry we didn’t win together.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán were among the leaders offering congratulations to Nawrocki. Zelenskyy praised Poland as “a pillar of regional and European security” and expressed his desire for continued cooperation with Poland and Nawrocki. Orbán hailed Nawrocki’s “fantastic victory,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of EU-Poland collaboration rooted in shared democratic values. As president, Nawrocki is expected to influence foreign policy and wield veto power over legislation. His victory may pose challenges for Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose coalition government has been unable to fulfill certain electoral promises due to ideological differences and Duda’s veto power. Tusk’s ability to continue his term until the next parliamentary election in late 2027 may be complicated, particularly if Law and Justice offers cooperation with conservatives in his coalition. Nawrocki’s campaign was marked by controversy, including allegations of past connections to criminal figures and participation in a violent street brawl. However, his supporters view him as an embodiment of traditional, patriotic values. Nawrocki has also echoed some of Trump’s language on Ukraine, promising to continue Poland’s support while prioritizing Polish interests.