Poland elects Trump‑aligned nationalist as president

A landmark shift in Poland’s presidential race

Karol Nawrocki has won the June 1 election and will take office on Wednesday, setting the stage for a direct clash with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro‑EU administration, which he has labeled “the worst in history.”

New president enters a polarized environment

• In a narrow triumph over liberal opponent Rafal Trzaskowski, Nawrocki’s win underscores deep political divisions in a key NATO and EU member state.
• As president, he can trigger, veto, and influence legislation, foreign policy, and defence, while the outgoing president, Andrzej Duda, has already been at odds with Tusk on major issues such as abortion.
• Relations are likely to be even harsher ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections, Tusk warns that Nawrocki will “annoy us” and will not let him “demolish” his government.

Nawrocki’s campaign promises

He pledged to act as an “active president” from day one and to “stimulate” the government with a series of bills. In a social‑media video, he framed his inauguration as the beginning of a “new chapter in the history of our beloved Poland” and called for a united nation.

Potential trade‑offs with the ruling majority

Tusk’s government holds a parliamentary majority, but the president may need to forge compromises. Piotr Trudnowski, a Christian‑Democrat think‑tank member, cautioned that intense confrontation is “not the way forward.”

Foreign‑policy experience

Ewa Marciniak, a University of Warsaw political scientist, noted Nawrocki’s lack of experience in foreign affairs, especially concerning ties with the United States and his close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, which he said would be the foundation of his initial foreign‑policy strategy.

Ukrainian‑Polish relations

Nawrocki has voiced skepticism about Ukraine’s NATO membership ambitions and criticised Kyiv for not showing gratitude toward Polish support during the war. Under the slogan “Poland First, Poles First,” he has been critical of benefits received by the more than one million Ukrainians settled in the country.

Zelensky’s support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Nawrocki and emphasised the importance of close ties, a vital transit country for military and humanitarian supplies to Ukraine. He has agreed to collaborative visits that will bring real results for both nations and their peoples.