A pro-Trump nationalist will become Poland’s new president on Wednesday, signaling a tense shift in politics with the country’s pro-EU government. Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist historian and political newcomer, won the June 1 election, delivering a significant setback to Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Nawrocki’s victory highlights growing political divides in Poland, a key NATO and EU member supporting Ukraine. His inauguration is expected to draw rallies in Warsaw as he begins his five-year term with a speech to parliament.
Nawrocki sought support from former U.S. President Donald Trump during his campaign. He will take the oath of office around 8 a.m. GMT and address parliament soon after.
His win over liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski reflects deep political polarization in the country. Poland’s president holds powers to propose and veto laws and influences foreign and defense policy.
The outgoing president, Andrzej Duda, had frequent clashes with Tusk, especially over issues like abortion laws. Experts predict even harsher relations between Nawrocki and Tusk as the political climate heats ahead of parliamentary elections in 2027.
Tusk warned that he would not allow Nawrocki to “demolish” his government. “I have no doubt Mr. Nawrocki will do everything to annoy us,” he said.
Nawrocki has criticized Tusk’s government as “the worst in Poland’s democratic history.” He promises to be an “active president” and to “stimulate” the government with new bills.
In a social media video, Nawrocki called his inauguration a “new chapter” for Poland and urged unity.
Despite Nawrocki’s rise, the government holds a parliamentary majority. Analysts believe both sides may need to compromise. Piotr Trudnowski from a Christian-Democrat think tank said, “Engaging in intense confrontation is not the way forward.”
Political scientist Ewa Marciniak from the University of Warsaw noted Nawrocki lacks experience in foreign policy. During his campaign, he emphasized strong ties with the United States and his personal connection to Trump. She expects his foreign policy to reflect this alliance initially.
Relations with Ukraine may be one major point of difference. Trudnowski suggested Nawrocki would be less enthusiastic about Ukraine compared to his predecessor.
Nawrocki opposed Ukraine joining NATO and criticized Kyiv for what he called a lack of gratitude toward Poland. His campaign slogan, “Poland First, Poles First,” also criticized benefits provided to over one million Ukrainians who fled to Poland.
Despite this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Nawrocki and stressed the importance of close ties. Poland remains a vital transit route for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
After a recent phone call, Zelensky said both leaders agreed to visit each other soon and seek ways to cooperate for the benefit of their countries and peoples. He thanked Nawrocki for his readiness to work together and for continued support for Ukraine.
