A surprise presidential win for Poland's conservative Karol Nawrocki signals potential clashes lie ahead with the pro-European government’s reform agenda.
Polish nationalist opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki has narrowly clinched victory in the second round of Poland’s presidential election, securing 50.89 percent of the vote.
Poland's electoral commission confirmed early on Monday, with the result marking a significant setback for the pro-European government’s reform efforts.
His opponent, Warsaw’s liberal mayor and former MEP Rafal Trzaskowski – a close ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government – garnered 49.11 percent.
A closely watched exit poll on Sunday had suggested a slim win for Trzaskowski, adding an extra twist to an already tense contest.
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'Poland first'
42-year-old Nawrocki – a historian and former head of a national remembrance institute – ran on a nationalist platform pledging to prioritise Poles in economic and social policy, including ahead of refugees from neighbouring Ukraine.
A keen amateur boxer, Nawrocki overcame controversy in the final days of the campaign, including scrutiny over how he acquired an apartment from a pensioner and his admission of involvement in organised fights during his youth.
Although executive power lies largely with Poland’s parliament, the presidency carries the power to veto legislation.
As such, the election outcome is being closely monitored not only in Poland but also in Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and across the European Union.
Poland's Trzaskowski on course for tight presidential election win
Congratulations
Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, is expected to follow in the footsteps of outgoing President Andrzej Duda – also a PiS ally – by resisting government moves to liberalise abortion laws or reform the judiciary.
President Duda took to social media platform X to express his gratitude to voters, celebrating a record second-round turnout of over 71 percent.
“Thank you! For taking part in the presidential elections. For turning out in such numbers. For fulfilling your civic duty. For taking responsibility for Poland. Congratulations to the winner! Stay strong, Poland!” Duda posted.
Hungary's Viktor Orban has hailed Nawrocki's win as a "fantastic victory", while European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen also offered congratulations on X, saying she was convinced the EU could continue its "very good cooperation" with Poland, adding: "We are all stronger together in our community of peace, democracy, and values. So let us work to ensure the security and prosperity of our common home."
