Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidency runoff
In Poland's presidential election, liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki faced off in a tightly contested runoff that highlighted the nation's political divisions. An initial exit poll indicated Trzaskowski leading with 50.3% of the votes, while Nawrocki, backed by the nationalist Law and Justice party (PiS), garnered 49.7%. However, as the night progressed, the final vote count revealed Nawrocki winning with 50.89% against Trzaskowski's 49.11%.
Nawrocki's victory marks a significant shift in Polish politics, as he will succeed conservative Andrzej Duda, whose term ends on August 6. Although the prime minister holds most day-to-day power, the president can influence foreign policy and veto legislation, making Nawrocki's role crucial. His election poses challenges for Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who has struggled to fulfill electoral promises since taking office in late 2023.
The election saw a turnout of 72.8%, higher than the previous round, reflecting heightened voter engagement. Despite initial reports of Trzaskowski's lead, updated polls later showed Nawrocki ahead. Both candidates claimed victory during their speeches to supporters, with Trzaskowski expressing hope for a united future and Nawrocki emphasizing the need to "save Poland."
The election was marked by reported incidents, with the Polish National Electoral Commission noting 232 possible offenses during voting. The runoff followed a closely contested first round on May 18, where Trzaskowski received just over 31% and Nawrocki nearly 30%. As the nation awaits the official results, the election underscores the ongoing ideological battle between pro-European and nationalist sentiments in Poland.
