Poland heads to runoff in tight presidential race

Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski is narrowly leading his conservative rival, according to a poll released after voting concluded

Poland’s presidential election is set for a runoff, with Rafal Trzaskowski narrowly leading rival Karol Nawrocki in the first round of Sunday’s vote, according to exit polls.

Right-wing candidates collectively secured a majority in the first round, signaling a potential shift in the nation’s political landscape.

According to an Ipsos exit poll, Warsaw Mayor Trzaskowski, representing the pro-European Civic Coalition, led with 31.1% of the vote.

Conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, followed closely with 29.7%.

Right-wing candidates Slawomir Mentzen and Grzegorz Braun garnered 15.4% and 6.2% respectively, bringing the total right-leaning vote share to around 51.3%.

Mentzen, the leader of the right-wing New Hope party, is known for his criticism of the EU, opposition to immigration, and support for low taxes and limited government intervention. His platform emphasizes national sovereignty and conservative social values.

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The runoff will be held on June 1, and the new president will take office in August.

Trzaskowski, who narrowly lost the last presidential election to incumbent President Andrzej Duda five years ago, has pledged to support government reforms, including reversing PiS-era judicial changes. He has also advocated for increased defense spending and continued support for Ukraine.

He is seen as the most pro-Ukraine contender, though he has pledged to cut social benefits to Ukrainian nationals. His main rival, Nawrocki, also supports military aid to Ukraine; however, he opposes NATO and EU membership until Ukraine addresses historical issues, particularly the exhumation and acknowledgment of Polish victims of the Volyn massacres during World War II. He has also called for prioritizing Polish citizens in public services.

His campaign gained momentum following a meeting with US President Donald Trump, who reportedly told him, “You will win.” Right-wing sentiment is growing across the EU, as evidenced by recent electoral gains and shifting political dynamics in several member states.