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Karol Nawrocki Wins Narrow Victory in Polish Presidential Runoff

The outcome threatens to paralyze EU-aligned reforms.

Overview

  • Karol Nawrocki secured a razor-thin 50.9% to 49.1% win over liberal mayor Rafal Trzaskowski in the June 1 runoff.
  • His incoming veto powers are expected to stall Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s EU-aligned reform agenda, prompting a parliamentary confidence vote on June 11.
  • Backed by the Law and Justice party and endorsed by Donald Trump, Nawrocki is known for ultraconservative nationalism and deep skepticism of Brussels.
  • He has vowed to veto the EU Green Pact, hinder judicial reforms, restrict migration and reproductive rights as well as oppose Ukraine’s bids for NATO and EU membership.
  • The result underscores stark urban-rural divides and growing far-right support among younger voters.