Poland’s New President: Karol Nawrocki
Karol Nawrocki has been elected as Poland’s new president, narrowly winning the runoff election with 50.89% of the vote against liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who received 49.11%. Nawrocki, a 42-year-old conservative historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance, was backed by the Law and Justice party and is known for his nationalist and Eurosceptic positions.
Nawrocki’s campaign emphasized prioritizing Polish citizens and national interests, and he has expressed skepticism toward deeper European integration and immigration. While the presidency in Poland is largely ceremonial, the president holds significant powers, including the ability to veto legislation—a factor that could complicate the agenda of the current pro-European government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, which lacks a parliamentary majority to override vetoes.
Nawrocki is set to take office on August 6, succeeding Andrzej Duda. His victory signals a shift toward more nationalist policies and is expected to influence Poland’s stance on EU relations, migration, and foreign affairs.
