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5d ago

Polish Presidential Race Enters Final Stretch with Trzaskowski Leading

As the May 18 first round nears, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski holds a polling advantage over nationalist rival Karol Nawrocki, with a runoff likely to determine the outcome.

This combination of photos shows Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, left, in Warsaw, Poland, on March 14, 2022 and Karol Nawrocki in Szeligi near Warsaw, Poland, on March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)
This combination of photos shows Slawomir Mentzen, left, in Katowice, Poland, on Sept. 23, 2023 and Szymon Holownia in Warsaw, Poland, on Nov. , 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)
Civic Coalition presidential candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and his wife Malgorzata gesture during an election rally in Plock, Poland, May 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel
Civic Coalition presidential candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski takes a selfie with his supporter during an election rally in Krakow, Poland, May 13, 2025. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

Overview

  • The first round of Poland's presidential election is set for May 18, with a runoff on June 1 if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote.
  • Rafał Trzaskowski, the pro-European mayor of Warsaw, leads the polls with support above 30%, ahead of conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, who is polling in second place.
  • Nawrocki, backed by the nationalist Law and Justice party, faces allegations of unethical conduct in an apartment-for-care deal, which has hurt his campaign momentum.
  • The election outcome will impact Prime Minister Donald Tusk's reform agenda, as a Trzaskowski presidency would remove the current presidential veto blocking key legislation.
  • Security concerns, particularly regarding Russia, have been central to the campaign, with both leading candidates emphasizing defense spending and showcasing military preparedness.