Karol Nawrocki Wins Polish Presidential Election

Warsaw, Poland – Nationalist Karol‌ Nawrocki secured the Polish presidency in a close ⁢election, defeating Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. The victory for Nawrocki, who‍ had ‌support from former ⁢U.S. President Donald Trump, presents a significant challenge⁢ to​ the current government’s pro-European Union agenda.

Official results show Nawrocki, representing the ​Law ⁢and Justice (PiS)‍ party, garnered 50.89% of the vote, while Trzaskowski received 49.11%. Nawrocki will ​succeed‍ Andrzej Duda, also a conservative, for a five-year term.Duda previously won against⁤ Trzaskowski in 2020 by a narrow margin.

The Polish⁤ election⁢ drew international attention, particularly from Europe, the United States, Ukraine and Russia, given Poland’s‌ key role in the region. The outcome raises questions about the future⁢ of Poland’s relationship with the EU and its support for Ukraine.

While the polish⁣ parliament holds more power, the president can veto legislation. Duda previously ‌used this power to block reforms initiated by ⁢Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s coalition. Nawrocki,‌ a known Eurosceptic, could similarly hinder Tusk’s​ government, which recently restored relations⁢ with Brussels and unlocked $156 billion ⁢in EU funds that ​were previously frozen due to rule-of-law concerns.

ursula von der leyen,EU Commission ​President,expressed confidence in continued cooperation with Poland. “I’m confident that the EU will continue its very good cooperation ‍with Poland. We are​ all stronger together in our community of peace, democracy, and values,” she said on X. “So let us work‍ to ensure the⁢ security and ​prosperity of our common home.”

poland, a ‌strong supporter of‌ Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, has provided substantial security and logistical assistance. In January, Poland‍ assumed the EU ‍presidency, prioritizing security for Europe.

During his campaign, Nawrocki voiced criticism of ⁢Ukrainian⁣ President​ Volodymyr Zelenskyy and questioned Ukraine’s ⁣NATO aspirations, a move that could escalate tensions with Russia.

A test for right-wing populism‌ in Europe

Nawrocki’s win is seen as a resurgence of right-wing ‍populism in Europe, especially​ after the U.S. election. ⁣Kristi⁢ Noem, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, endorsed Nawrocki at a conference in Poland,‌ calling Trzaskowski a “train wreck of a leader.”

Noem ⁢stated, “Donald Trump is a strong leader for us, but you