Poland Votes in Pivotal Presidential Runoff Election
Polish citizens are heading to the polls for a crucial runoff election to choose their next President. This decisive vote follows a closely contested first round on May 18, where the top two candidates, Mr. Trzaskowski and Nawrocki, secured just over 31% and nearly 30% of the vote respectively, eliminating eleven other contenders. The outcome of this election is considered pivotal for Poland's future political direction.
Unpacked:
Rafał Trzaskowski is the liberal Mayor of Warsaw, supported by the ruling Civic Platform and Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Karol Nawrocki is aligned with the right-wing, populist-nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, representing opposition to the current government. The two candidates reflect Poland’s deep political divide between pro-European liberalism and conservative nationalism.
The election will determine whether Poland accelerates reforms to restore the rule of law and strengthen ties with the European Union, as Trzaskowski promises, or maintains resistance to such changes, as Nawrocki advocates. The president has significant power to veto legislation, so the result will shape the government's ability to govern and implement reforms.
In the first round on May 18, 2025, Trzaskowski received 31.4% and Nawrocki 29.5% of the votes. With neither candidate securing over 50%, a runoff was required between the top two to ensure the president has majority support, as is standard in Polish presidential elections.
A Trzaskowski victory would likely restore closer cooperation with the EU and support rule of law reforms, bringing Poland further into the EU mainstream. If Nawrocki wins, Poland may continue its current tense relationship with Brussels, resisting EU-driven reforms and oversight.