In a closely contested runoff election, nationalist Karol Nawrocki emerged victorious, claiming 50.9% of the votes against Rafal Trzaskowski's 49.1%. Nawrocki, a historian and former boxer, is supported by the right-wing Law and Justice party, marking a considerable setback for Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Civic Platform party. The election outcome highlights Poland's deep political divisions, positioning Nawrocki's presidency at odds with Tusk's government.
Both candidates agreed on supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and enhancing Poland's military capabilities. However, they sharply diverged on domestic issues, particularly around sensitive topics like abortion, which had faced stringent restrictions under the prior Law and Justice administration.
The results arrive on the heels of a Romanian election where a nationalist candidate was defeated, sparking optimism among Polish liberals that the trend towards right-wing populism in Europe might be waning. Despite this, Nawrocki's win could signal a resurgence of rightist policies in the region, setting the stage for heightened political tension within Poland's governance structure.
