Karol Nawrocki, known for his nationalist stance, has officially been named the winner of Poland’s presidential race by the country’s top election authority.
The final tally, announced Monday, revealed Nawrocki secured 50.89% of the vote, narrowly edging out his rival, Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw, who gained 49.11% in a closely fought run-off.
His election introduces new tensions for the current centrist leadership in Poland, particularly as Nawrocki has vowed to use his presidential powers to oppose Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s planned changes. This outcome has been met with approval from conservative factions across Europe and America.
At 42, Nawrocki brings with him a background in historical research and amateur boxing. His campaign centered on policies aimed at prioritizing native citizens, often in contrast to foreign residents and refugees, notably those from Ukraine.
Initial projections released Sunday evening suggested that Trzaskowski might claim victory. However, the final vote count shifted the momentum, ultimately favoring Nawrocki just hours later.
Once sworn in, Nawrocki will take over from Andrzej Duda, who also leaned heavily toward conservative nationalism. Duda’s term ends on August 6.
During his presidency, Duda frequently resisted efforts by the coalition government to undo prior judicial overhauls introduced between 2015 and 2023, which had sparked significant disputes with European institutions over legal standards.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tusk has faced mounting challenges in delivering on campaign commitments, such as expanding abortion access and so on.
Political analysts suggest that the gap between campaign rhetoric and government action may undermine Tusk’s stability ahead of the next national elections, slated for late 2027.
Nawrocki’s success gained momentum from backing associated with the “Make America Great Again” movement in the United States.
“President Donald Trump welcomed the Polish eurosceptic to the White House,” and “Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem travelled to Poland last week to back him.”
With approximately 10,000 U.S. troops based in Poland, Noem hinted that military collaboration could expand under Nawrocki’s leadership.
Supporters of the new president have likened his political vision to that of Trump, often waving “MAGA” flags at rallies and calling for a return to “normality.”
On international issues, Nawrocki has taken a hard line. While pledging continued aid to Ukraine, he has openly criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for allegedly exploiting his allies.
Nawrocki has also addressed domestic frustration with the presence of large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, vowing to ensure that social programs such as healthcare and education primarily serve Polish citizens.
Right-wing groups across Europe, especially those disappointed by nationalist George Simion’s recent loss in Romania, were quick to express enthusiasm over Nawrocki’s triumph.
“Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on his Facebook page that the result brings a ‘fresh victory for [European] patriots’.”
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