Poles are casting their votes in a decisive presidential runoff in Poland, where the outcome is expected to significantly influence the country’s role in the European Union. The polls opened at 7 AM local time, with individuals voting between two main candidates: Rafal Trzaskowski, the pro-EU Warsaw Mayor from the center-right Civic Platform, and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, who is backed by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party.
The run-off is the culmination of a fierce first round on May 18th, which saw Trzaskowski leading with just over 31% of the vote, narrowly edging Nawrocki, who had nearly 30%, with the rest of the candidates eliminated from contention.
The next president will take the place of Andrzej Duda, whose term is set to end, and whose tenure has been criticized for slow progress on judicial reforms due to his use of veto power. The campaign has brought to light the deep ideological split in the country, with the winner determining whether Poland shall continue on a nationalist path or shift towards liberal democratic norms.
Trzaskowski, a 53-year-old musician’s son, advocates for restoring judicial independence, relaxing abortion laws, and fostering positive international relations within Europe. Nawrocki, 42 and a former boxer who boasts the support of Donald Trump, portrays himself as the guardian of traditional Polish values and remains skeptical regarding the European Union.
Both candidates agree on providing support to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia but differ in their views on Ukraine’s potential NATO and EU membership, with Trzaskowski favoring it and Nawrocki opposing it. Each candidate has embraced a tough stance on immigration, sometimes using anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, reflecting widespread anxiety among Pol Greeks over the influx of 1.55 million Ukrainian refugees and migrants.
The polls are set to close at 9 PM local time on June 1, with the anticipation of exit polls to be released immediately after. The official results are expected to be announced on Monday.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/1/poland-votes-for-new-president-in-high-stakes-run-off-election?traffic_source=rss
