Poland chose Karol Nawrocki , a conservative historian and a staunch nationalist, for his next president in a vote whose results have been carefully observed, which is the signal of the revival of right-wing populism in the heart of Europe. Nawrocki, who is expected to take office on 6 August, is expected to form the country's interior and abroad policies in a way that could lead to a strain on ties with Brussels and at the same time bring this Central European country of nearly 38 million inhabitants closer to the administration of president Donald Trump in the United States.
Here are any of the most crucial conclusions:
Conservative populism in the Invasion
Nawrocki's triumph highlights the continued attractiveness of nationalist rhetoric among about half of the country along the east flank of NATO and the European Union, as well as its deep social divisions. 42-year-old historian, who had no erstwhile political experience, based his run on patriotic themes, conventional Catholic values and the oath to defend Poland's sovereignty against the European Union and larger European countries specified as Germany.
His triumph besides reflects the attractiveness of right-wing nationalism across Europe, where concerns about migration, national sovereignty and cultural identity have led to increased support for right-wing parties — even far-right in fresh times.
The candidates of the utmost right came out very well in the first circular of voting in Poland 2 weeks earlier, highlighting the attractiveness of nationalistic and conservative views. Nawrocki won many of those votes. While his supporters celebrate his victory, those who voted for the defeated Liberal candidate, president of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski, fear that this will accelerate the erosion of liberal-democratic norms.
The Troubles of Prime Minister Donald Tusk
Nawrock's presidency represents a direct challenge for the Prime Minister Donald Tusk , who returned to power at the end of 2023, committed to repairing relations with the EU and restoring the independency of the judiciary which, according to Brussels, was undermined by the Law and Justice, a organization supporting Nawrocki. However, the Tusk coalition — a fragile alliance of centrists, leftist and agricultural conservatives — has difficulty pushing through key promises, including rights of partnership for same-sex couples and little restrictive abortion laws.
Nawrocks, who argue specified actions, will have the right to veto legislation, which will complicate Tusk's plans and possibly lead to political stalemate.
The election of Nawrocki may signal closer relations between Poland and the Trump administration. Poland and the US are close allies, and in Poland there are 10,000 US soldiers, but Tusk and his partners have criticised Trump in the past. Nawrocki, however, has a worldview closely linked to Trump and his ethos Make America large Again. Trump welcomed Nawrocki to the White home a period ago, and his administration made it clear in another ways that he is her preferred candidate .
Change of gravity point in Ukraine
Although Nawrocki expressed support for Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression , does not support Ukraine's membership of NATO and questions the long-term costs of assistance, especially support for refugees.
His rhetoric sometimes resembled Trump's rhetoric, for example accusing the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski about what he said was insufficient gratitude for Poland's help. With growth fatigue of society aid to Ukrainian refugees, Nawrocki's approach can change Poland's attitude from a strong ally to a conditional partner if the war continues much longer.
EU relations
The consequence of the elections is simply a failure for the EU, which welcomed Tusk's return in 2023 as a signal of renewed pro-European engagement. Nawrocks and the Law and Justice criticised what nationalists consider to be an excessive interference of the EU in Poland's national affairs, especially with respect to judicial improvement and migration policy.
Although the president does not exercise control over the current diplomacy, Nawrocki's symbolic powers and the anticipation of veto may undermine Brussels' efforts to reconstruct Poland's compliance with block standards, especially on the regulation of law issues.
Market unrest
Although Poland is simply a associate of the European Union, it has its own currency – the gold currency – the value of which decreased somewhat on Monday morning, reflecting investor concerns about policy instability and renewed tensions in relations with the EU institutions. Billions of euro from EU funds have been earmarked for judicial reforms, which the Government of Tusk is improbable to implement without the President's cooperation.
AP
