Warsaw (Poliand) – In Poland President Election, a closely contested run-off, Karol Nawrocki has emerged as the new President of Poland, securing 50.89% of the vote. His liberal rival, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, garnered 49.11% in Poland President Election, according to Poland’s National Electoral Commission.

This narrow win in Poland President Election marks a significant political shift. It comes as a blow to the centrist government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and signals the rise of conservative nationalism in Poland’s leadership.

Poland President Election: Nawrocki, A New Nationalist Leader

Nawrocki, 42, is a historian, amateur boxer, and former head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance. Backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, he ran on a populist, nationalist platform, promising to put Polish interests first.

He has vowed to use his presidential veto powers to block key reforms proposed by the Tusk government, including judicial and social policy changes.

Tight Race With Reversals in Poland President Election

Initial exit polls on election night gave a slight edge to Trzaskowski. An Ipsos poll for Polsat projected him winning with 50.3%. Trzaskowski even declared early victory, promising to unite the nation.

However, as more votes were counted, the tide turned. Nawrocki pulled ahead, eventually declaring victory. Full official results confirmed his win the following day.

Impact on Tusk’s Reform Agenda in Poland President Election

The election result is expected to complicate governance for the Tusk-led coalition. Tusk had campaigned on promises to depoliticize the judiciary, expand LGBTQ rights, and improve abortion access. With Nawrocki in the presidency, these plans now face likely vetoes.

Outgoing President Andrzej Duda, also aligned with PiS, had already delayed the reform process during the final months of his term. Nawrocki’s win continues this trend.

Polish-Ukrainian Relations in Focus

Both candidates supported Ukraine’s fight against Russia. However, Nawrocki took a more nationalist tone, promising to prioritize Poles over Ukrainian refugees. He criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of exploiting Western support.

He also opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership, having signed a declaration pledging to block it—unlike Trzaskowski, who supported Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.

A Trump-Style Campaign

Nawrocki’s campaign echoed Donald Trump’s rhetoric, attracting support from right-wing figures in Europe and the U.S. MAGA flags were a common sight at his rallies. Trump himself congratulated Nawrocki, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Poland to show support.

Noem also hinted at deepening U.S.-Polish military ties, with around 10,000 U.S. troops currently stationed in Poland.

European Conservatives Celebrate

Right-wing leaders across Europe praised Nawrocki’s victory. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called it a “fresh victory for European patriots.” His win follows the recent loss of Romanian nationalist George Simion, making Nawrocki’s success all the more symbolic for the European right.

Karol Nawrocki’s election represents a turning point for Poland. As president, he will play a central role in shaping domestic and foreign policy, despite the limited executive powers of the office. His conservative agenda and opposition to EU-backed reforms will likely create new challenges for the Tusk government as Poland navigates a complex European and regional landscape.

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