Poland Votes in Tight Presidential Runoff Shaping EU, Social Policies

Poland's presidential election on June 1, 2025, is a tightly contested race between pro-EU Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki, with polls showing a near-even split in voter support. Trzaskowski, aligned with centrist Prime Minister Donald Tusk, advocates for closer EU cooperation, social reforms including easing abortion restrictions and legalizing civil partnerships for LGBTQ individuals, and strengthening democratic norms. Conversely, Nawrocki, backed by the conservative Law and Justice party and endorsed by figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and Hungary's Viktor Orbán, promotes nationalist values, stricter immigration policies, and a revisionist view of Polish history that emphasizes Polish victimhood during the Holocaust while downplaying antisemitism. The presidency, though largely ceremonial, holds veto power over legislation and is crucial for shaping Poland's domestic policies and international stance amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The election outcome bears significant consequences for Poland's role within the EU and NATO, potentially either advancing democratic reforms under Tusk or reinforcing conservative nationalist governance under Nawrocki. The race's narrow margin underscores a deeply divided electorate over the country's future direction, sovereignty, and identity.