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Polish voters headed to the polls on Sunday for a closely contested presidential election that could shape the nation’s future direction—either reinforcing its ties with the European Union or steering toward a more nationalist, U.S.-aligned course.
The race pits Rafal Trzaskowski, the candidate of the centrist Civic Coalition (KO), against Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party. Surveys indicate a razor-thin margin between the two contenders, making voter turnout a critical factor.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 9 p.m., with initial exit polls expected shortly after. The electoral authority aims to release official results by Monday morning or early afternoon.
Although executive power in Poland lies largely with the parliament, the presidency carries veto authority over legislation. As a result, the outcome is drawing attention not just domestically but also from neighboring Ukraine, Russia, and Western allies.
Both candidates support ramping up military spending and continuing aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. However, they diverge sharply on foreign alliances. Trzaskowski views Ukraine’s potential NATO membership as vital for Poland’s security, while Nawrocki has stated he would oppose ratification, citing the risk of deeper entanglement in the war.
Trzaskowski promotes strong ties with both the European Union and the United States, whereas Nawrocki has emphasized a closer alignment with Washington. He visited the White House in May and has voiced admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s political philosophy.
“In foreign policy, we need clear direction,” said Robert Kepczynski, a 53-year-old IT professional voting in Warsaw. “Relying solely on the U.S. while distancing ourselves from Europe is short-sighted.”
Some voters expressed emotional stakes in the election. “It’s about the kind of country my daughter and grandchildren will grow up in,” said 73-year-old economist Maria Luczynska.
If Nawrocki is elected, he’s expected to follow a similar course to outgoing President Andrzej Duda, who used his presidential veto to defend controversial judicial reforms criticized by European institutions for undermining judicial independence.
This election comes roughly 18 months after Prime Minister Donald Tusk assumed office, serving as a major test of his government’s support. Nawrocki has framed the vote as a judgment on Tusk’s administration.
In the 2023 parliamentary elections, massive turnout in urban centers contributed to the current coalition’s win. Trzaskowski hopes for a repeat, calling on voters to mobilize. “Encourage everyone to take part,” he urged supporters at a recent rally.
Meanwhile, Nawrocki, drawing influence from nationalist movements abroad, told voters in eastern Poland that “every single vote could decide the result.”
Clashing Views on Social Policy
The two candidates also differ significantly on domestic issues. Trzaskowski advocates for loosening abortion restrictions and legal recognition for same-sex couples, while Nawrocki opposes such measures, citing Poland’s Catholic traditions.
The first round of the election on May 18 revealed growing support for anti-establishment far-right forces, suggesting a potential shake-up of the long-dominant KO-PiS dynamic.
Despite a contentious campaign marked by negative press coverage, especially targeting Nawrocki, the runoff once again features the two leading political forces.
PiS has traditionally drawn its strength from smaller towns and rural regions, especially in the country’s east and south, where economic challenges and conservative values have fostered a strong base. “They want to govern for the elites,” Nawrocki told voters, referring to the KO.
Trzaskowski, whose coalition appeals mainly to urban and pro-European voters, drew optimism from the large crowd at a recent rally. “This turnout shows your hope in a Poland that takes a leading role in Europe,” he told supporters.
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