Nawrocki ends campaign with bold rally
Presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki, supported by Poland's opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), held his final rally in Stalowa Wola, energizing supporters with slogans like "Poland is here" and "Karol Nawrocki for Polish president." He emphasized his vision for a "strong Poland," stating, "Poland will either be great or it will not exist," while expressing concerns about illegal immigration potentially threatening national security.
As the presidential election approaches, Nawrocki trails behind his main opponent, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski of the ruling Civic Coalition (KO), who leads the polls with 34.2% support compared to Nawrocki's 26.9%. The far-right Confederation party candidate, Slawomir Mentzen, follows with 13.1%. If no candidate secures over 50% in the first round, a runoff will occur on June 1.
Nawrocki's campaign focuses on national security, pledging to enhance military capabilities and support Ukraine against Russian aggression, while also addressing historical grievances regarding Polish victims of Ukrainian nationalists during World War II. He criticized the current government's handling of the economic impact of hosting around one million Ukrainian refugees, arguing that it has strained resources and overlooked Polish citizens' needs. His "Poland First" campaign aims to resonate with voters feeling marginalized by globalization.
Despite facing controversies, including allegations related to a property deal, Nawrocki has narrowed the polling gap with Trzaskowski. His campaign gained momentum following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who endorsed his candidacy. As the election nears, the outcome is expected to significantly influence Poland's domestic policies and its position within the European Union and NATO.
