Nawrocki: Nationalist Historian Seizes Poland\’s Presidency

Poland’s New President: A Controversial History of Karol Nawrocki

After a June 1 victory driven by the populist Law and Justice party, Karol Nawrocki will be sworn in as Poland’s head of state on Wednesday. The 42‑year‑old nationalist historian—formerly an amateur boxer—has sparked a mix of admiration and outrage.

Campaign Promises and Ukrainian Relations

• “Poland first, Poles first” – Nawrocki’s slogan underlines a stark focus on domestic priorities.
• He pledges continued aid for Ukraine but criticizes the influx of war refugees, stating that “social benefits will be above all for Poles” and that Polish citizens must have “priority in queues for doctors and clinics.”
• In May, he accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of “insolence” and said Ukraine has “not shown gratitude for what Poles have done.” He also opposes Ukraine’s bid to join NATO.

A Trump Connection and Border Controls

Nawrocki, an admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump, asserts Poland should lead Europe’s relations with the U.S. president. He met Trump at the White House in May, and photographed giving a thumbs‑up during the visit.

He calls for increased border controls with Germany to curb migration and urges Berlin to pay wartime reparations to Poland.

Scandals and an Eight‑Point Pledge

• During his campaign, Nawrocki signed an eight‑point pledge by far‑right leader Slawomir Mentzen.
• He was accused of owning two flats—one of which was acquired through a convoluted deal with an elderly man—despite claiming to own only one.
• A bombshell report alleged he arranged prostitutes for guests while working as a hotel security guard. Nawrocki dismissed the accusations as “a bunch of lies” and vowed to sue the news outlet.

Academic Credentials and Russian Wanted List

Born in the Baltic port city of Gdańsk, Nawrocki boxed and played football before earning a Ph.D. in history and an MBA. He served as the director of the World War II museum in Gdańsk from 2017 to 2021, and since then has led the Institute of National Remembrance, investigating Nazi and communist‑era crimes.

Last year, Russia added Nawrocki to its wanted list for allegedly removing Soviet‑era monuments in Poland. He says he obtained a gun licence and firearm after “winding up in Russia’s crosshairs.”

Ghost Author and Neo‑Nazi Accusations

In 2018, Nawrocki secretly published a book about the communist‑era gangster Nikodem Skotarczak under the pseudonym Tadeusz Batyr. A blurred and voice‑altered Batyr appeared on state television claiming Nawrocki inspired the book, which Nawrocki later denied.

Opponents seized on the revelation, and Nawrocki has faced accusations of ties to gangsters and neo‑Nazis – which he calls “deep manipulation” and insists were merely professional contacts.

Personal Life and Future Vows

Still an active boxer in his spare time, Nawrocki speaks fluent English and urges that Poland needs “a strong president for tough times.” He lives with his wife, Marta, has two children and an adult stepson.