Shocking elections in Poland: Trzaskowski vs. Nawrocki!

Shocking elections in Poland: Trzaskowski vs. Nawrocki!

The presidential elections in Poland are just around the corner on May 18, 2025, and the political climate couldn't be more exciting. Incumbent President Andrzej Duda has veto power, which could hamper reforms by the new government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The election campaign is already in full swing and key issues such as security, the economy and the cost of living are in focus. However, the recent scandals surrounding the candidates could influence the outcome of the election.

Rafał Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw and candidate of the Citizens' Coalition (Koalicja Obywatelska, KO), is considered one of the favorites. The 53-year-old, who ran as a presidential candidate in 2020, presents himself as a centrist politician and is committed to equal opportunities and strong relations with the EU. His political roots are characterized by a long career in the Sejm and the European Parliament. He has also said he will campaign on issues such as fighting inflation and supporting Polish farmers, and wants to mobilize liberal-conservative voters. These issues will be of particular importance to many citizens because a clear electoral decision could decide the future of Poland and at the same time shape the direction of the government.

The challenger Nawrocki and his controversies

On the other side is Karol Nawrocki, who was nominated as a presidential candidate by PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński. The 42-year-old, who is introduced as an unknown historian, is shaking up the political landscape with his nomination. He presented himself as an independent “citizen candidate”, but is facing serious allegations. Nawrocki's ties to the red-light district and allegations of fraud could leave small wounds, even if some say these scandals have bolstered his support from the PiS. Ultimately, the uncertainty about how undecided voters respond to these allegations could be crucial.

The political camps in Poland appear to be clearly divided. Donald Tusk, the opposition leader, has sharply criticized Nawrocki and accused the PiS leader of knowing about illegal activities. Nawrocki defends himself against the allegations and speaks of “political prostitution” – the political rhetoric is charged. These heated debates also show how polarized the electorate is; Many see the presidential election as a referendum on the previous Tusk government, as Nawrocki himself noted.

What is at stake?

The outcome of the election could affect the entire Polish justice and education system. Tusk intends to overhaul the controversial reforms implemented by PiS. These reforms are one reason why political tensions in society are so high. But no matter what happens: the political mood in Poland is tense and is strongly influenced by international developments and internal reform blockages.

Readers can be curious to see how the election will develop overall. Polls suggest that Trzaskowski is currently the favorite, followed by Nawrocki and other candidates such as the Confederacy's Sławomir Mentzen. Voter turnout could range from 62% to 87%, indicating high mobilization. But voter dissatisfaction and election fatigue could also have a damper on the number of votes.

Political developments in the coming days may cast new shadows on the outcome of the election. How will voters decide? The election campaign is far from over and the next few weeks could be crucial for Poland's political fate. The questions remain: who will win, and how will this affect Poland's future political landscape? For many, the election is not only at stake, but could actually have a lasting impact on the nation's course.

For further information, read more about the current developments MDR, Politico and bpb.