Warsaw (Poland) — Poland Presidential election is heading to a second-round runoff after a tight first-round result on May 18. Centrist Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw, secured 31.36% of the vote. His main rival, Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, came close with 29.54%, the State Electoral Commission (PKW) confirmed. Turnout was high at over 67%, signaling strong public engagement.
No Clear Winner in First Round in Poland Presidential election
None of the 13 candidates received more than 50%, which triggers a runoff on June 1. This second round will decide who becomes Poland’s next president.
Trzaskowski is the candidate from Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition (KO). Nawrocki, relatively new to national politics, represents a populist and nationalist platform, aligned with PiS values.
Trzaskowski Promises Reform, Urges Unity
Speaking in Sandomierz, Trzaskowski thanked voters for participating in Poland Presidential election and expressed optimism. “We’re going to win,” he said, but added that it would take “hard work and great determination.”
He pledged to support the Tusk-led coalition in liberalizing abortion laws and reforming the judiciary, a key issue for Poland’s future relations with the European Union. However, Trzaskowski underperformed compared to pre-election polls, which predicted a wider lead.
Nawrocki Appeals to Right-Wing Voters
Nawrocki, addressing supporters in Gdansk, criticized Tusk’s government and said he aims to “stop the march to monocracy.”
He called on voters of far-right candidates, especially Slawomir Mentzen (14.8%) and Grzegorz Braun (6.34%), to back him in the second round.
“These results show Poland wants tradition, sovereignty, and strength,” Nawrocki said.
Far-Right Surge Shapes Runoff Dynamics in Poland Presidential election
The combined vote share of far-right candidates topped 21%, a historic high. Their performance highlights the growing strength of ultra-conservative forces, especially among young voters.
Mentzen, leader of the Confederation party, is popular for his anti-EU, anti-immigration stance and economic libertarianism.
Braun, infamous for antisemitic actions, placed fourth, shocking many liberal voters.
Their supporters could prove decisive. However, many may reject both Trzaskowski and Nawrocki, as they represent the two dominant parties.
Poland Presidential election: Coalition Challenges and Voter Realignment
Trzaskowski will need votes from smaller coalition allies like Szymon Holownia (4.99%) and Magdalena Biejat (4.23%), who avoided criticizing him during their campaigns.
But government tensions over abortion, civil unions, and EU policy could complicate voter alignment in the second round.
Observers warn that Trzaskowski faces an uphill battle. The combined opposition to Tusk’s government gained more votes than its backers.
High Stakes for Poland and Europe
The Polish president has veto power over legislation. Trzaskowski’s win would remove a major roadblock to Tusk’s reforms. But a Nawrocki victory could paralyze the current coalition.
Jacek Kucharczyk of the Institute for Public Affairs said:
“The stakes are enormous for Polish democracy. Only a cooperative president can ensure judicial reform and civil rights progress.”
European leaders are also watching closely. Poland, a key NATO member bordering Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, plays a vital role in the EU’s Eastern policy and military aid to Ukraine.
Two Weeks of Intense Campaigning Ahead
Both camps began their second-round campaigns early Monday. “We need to talk to everyone,” Trzaskowski told voters in Warsaw. Nawrocki vowed to fight for votes “on both sides.” As Poland gears up for the June 1 runoff, the next two weeks will be critical.
The official website of the President of the Republic of Poland
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