Poland’s presidential election heads to a runoff after a closer-than-expected first round, with centrist candidate Rafal Trzaskowski narrowly leading nationalist rival Karol Nawrocki. Exit polls show Trzaskowski of the Civic Coalition (KO) earning 31.2% of the vote, just ahead of Nawrocki, backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, with 29.7%. The slim margin contrasts with earlier polls predicting a wider lead for Trzaskowski.
The runoff, set for June 1, will determine Poland’s future direction—either deepening its pro-European stance under Prime Minister Donald Tusk or shifting towards a nationalist path aligned with U.S. Republican values. Trzaskowski vowed to "go for victory" while Nawrocki, appealing to far-right voters, promised to "save Poland" from one-party dominance.
Far-right candidates Slawomir Mentzen and Grzegorz Braun together secured over 21%, signaling rising nationalist sentiment. Mentzen, however, stopped short of endorsing Nawrocki, emphasizing voter independence. Braun, known for his controversial actions in parliament, garnered 6.3%.
An early runoff poll shows a tight race, with Trzaskowski at 46% and Nawrocki at 44%, and 10% of voters undecided.
The Polish president holds veto power, making the outcome crucial for Tusk’s reform agenda, including rolling back PiS’s judicial changes criticized for undermining judicial independence. A Nawrocki win would likely prolong political gridlock, as seen under outgoing PiS-aligned President Andrzej Duda.
Trzaskowski champions deeper EU integration and progressive values, while Nawrocki opposes liberal reforms and promotes traditionalist policies, including restricting refugee access to public services. Despite controversies, including a property scandal Nawrocki denies, he maintains support, bolstered by a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Voter turnout was 66.8%, with final results and updated polling expected soon.