Karol Nawrocki wins Poland presidency, poised to veto Tusk's pro-EU reforms

Karol Nawrocki, a 42-year-old right-wing historian, has been elected Poland's new president with 50.9% of the vote, narrowly defeating liberal Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.1%.

Nawrocki's victory signals a continuation of conservative policies, as he is expected to wield the powerful presidential veto to block Prime Minister Donald Tusk's ambitious pro-EU reforms. This could stall efforts to reverse the legacy of the previous Law and Justice (PiS) party's decade-long rule.

"A Nawrocki presidency could torpedo the centrist government’s efforts to unspool the legacy of authoritarianism in the country," analysts say, highlighting his alignment with traditional Catholic and family values and strong support for Polish sovereignty within the European Union.

Nawrocki opposes further ceding of powers to Brussels and rejects the EU's climate and migration policies, positioning himself as a defender of national interests. He was relatively unknown nationally before being selected by the PiS party as their unofficial candidate, presented as a champion for ordinary Poles.

In contrast, Trzaskowski, Warsaw’s liberal mayor, was seen as the candidate who would facilitate Tusk’s agenda to undo PiS transformations and strengthen Poland’s ties with the EU.

"Trzaskowski, by contrast, would be expected to essentially give Tusk an open road to press ahead with his ambitious aim of undoing the effects of PiS’ transformation of Poland," reports noted.

Nawrocki’s presidency is poised to maintain Poland’s conservative trajectory, emphasizing sovereignty and traditional values while resisting EU-driven reforms.

Karol Nawrocki, a 42-year-old right-wing historian, won Poland's presidency with 50.9% of the vote, narrowly defeating liberal mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Nawrocki is expected to use his veto power to block Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-EU reforms, emphasizing Polish sovereignty and traditional values.