Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist historian and admirer of former US President Donald Trump, has secured victory in Poland’s presidential runoff election, delivering a setback to the country’s pro-European Union government.
Official results released on Monday by the national election commission show that the 42-year-old candidate won 50.89 percent of the vote, narrowly defeating his opponent, 53-year-old Rafal Trzaskowski, the pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, who garnered 49.11 percent in a deeply polarized electorate.
Outgoing President Andrzej Duda, who endorsed Nawrocki, congratulated him on X, saying, “Congratulations to the winner!” and expressing gratitude to voters for their participation, with turnout reaching 71.63 percent.
The night of the election was fraught with tension, as both camps claimed victory based on initial exit polls showing a near tie. At his campaign headquarters in Warsaw, Nawrocki rallied supporters, declaring, “We will win and we will save Poland.”
His victory is expected to stall the current government’s proposed reforms on abortion and LGBTQ rights. It could also heighten friction with the EU, particularly around the rule of law, and strain relations with Ukraine due to Nawrocki’s opposition to its EU and NATO membership and his intent to reduce benefits for Ukrainian refugees.
During his campaign, Nawrocki visited the White House and said Trump predicted his victory. He also received backing from U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who endorsed him at a conservative gathering in Poland, stating, “He needs to be the next president.”
Though the Polish presidency has limited executive power, it does play a role in shaping foreign and defense policy and can veto legislation—authority that Nawrocki could use to obstruct initiatives from Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government, which lacks the parliamentary majority needed to override a veto.
Nawrocki’s supporters tend to favor tighter immigration controls, a stronger assertion of national sovereignty within the EU, and a return to conservative, faith-based values. “Catholic values are important to me. I know he shares them,” said 60-year-old Warsaw resident Lila Chojecka.
Trzaskowski, by contrast, is an advocate of deeper EU integration and progressive social policies, including same-sex civil unions and broader access to abortion. “Polish women unfortunately do not have the same rights as our European friends,” noted Malgorzata Wojciechowska, a tour guide and teacher.
Political scientist Anna Materska-Sosnowska of the University of Warsaw characterized the vote as “a real clash of civilisations.”
Nawrocki’s win may also breathe new life into the populist Law and Justice (PiS) party, which governed Poland from 2015 to 2023, and could even prompt new parliamentary elections if legislative gridlock continues.
However, his campaign wasn’t without controversy. He faced scrutiny over a real estate transaction involving an elderly seller, past ties to football hooliganism, and allegations—vehemently denied—of soliciting sex workers during earlier employment as a hotel security guard.
Nawrocki also drew criticism from Ukrainian officials for opposing Ukraine’s NATO bid. On the final day of his campaign, he laid flowers at a monument commemorating Poles killed by Ukrainian nationalists in WWII, calling it “a genocide against the Polish people.”
Poland, a nation of 38 million and a key EU and NATO member, has played a vital role in supporting Ukraine and remains a major hub for the delivery of Western aid and weapons to the war-torn country.
What you should know
Karol Nawrocki has been elected Poland’s new president, marking a shift toward nationalism that may challenge EU ties and Ukraine support. His win could hinder progressive reforms and increase political deadlock in the country’s already polarized landscape.
