Overview

• Karol Nawrocki, a 42-year-old historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance, was sworn in on August 6 with PiS support
• He pledged to use his constitutional powers—command of the armed forces, the right to veto laws and the ability to propose legislation—to block key government reforms
• In his inaugural address he framed a “Polen zuerst” platform that rejects illegal migration, opposes adopting the euro and resists further transfers of authority to Brussels
• He assured continued support for Ukraine’s defense while demanding that Kyiv address alleged World War II crimes against Poles and called for closer ties with President Trump’s US alongside bolstering NATO’s eastern flank
• Looking ahead, Nawrocki announced plans for sweeping judicial reforms, a new constitution by 2030 and major infrastructure projects including a central airport and expanded port facilities to strengthen Polish sovereignty