Poland election: what you need to know

Poland stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic evolution following the first round of its 2025 presidential election, held on May 18. The contest yielded a narrow lead for pro-European liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw, over conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, setting the stage for a decisive runoff on June 1.

With a voter turnout of 67.31%, the election reflects high public engagement and deep polarization. The result will determine whether the current reformist government can push forward with restoring judicial independence and re-engaging with the European Union—or remain constrained by a conservative presidency aligned with the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party.

A Referendum on Poland’s Democratic Future

The presidency in Poland, though not executive in function, holds critical legislative powers, including the veto and the ability to refer legislation to the Constitutional Tribunal, where PiS retains significant influence. Outgoing President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally, has frequently blocked legislation from Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government since 2023, stalling EU-funded reforms.

With Duda constitutionally barred from a third term, the election represents an inflection point: a Trzaskowski victory could unblock years of institutional gridlock, while a Nawrocki win would likely entrench conservative resistance and maintain institutional deadlock.

Candidates and Platforms: Liberal Reform vs. Conservative Continuity

Rafał Trzaskowski, a political scientist and seasoned public official, champions a liberal agenda rooted in EU integration, judicial reform, and social liberalization. He proposes raising defense spending to 5% of GDP and liberalizing abortion laws, aligning Poland with broader EU norms. Backed by the Civic Coalition, Trzaskowski’s prior near-victory in 2020 and his 2024 re-election as Warsaw Mayor underscore his strong urban support.

Karol Nawrocki, head of the Institute of National Remembrance and a historian of anti-communist resistance, appeals to Poland’s conservative base. He promises lower taxes, opposition to the EU’s Migration Pact and Green Deal, and maintains traditional stances on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Though nominally independent, he has PiS’s backing and campaigns on national sovereignty and cultural heritage.

First Round Snapshot

Trzaskowski led with 31.36%, followed closely by Nawrocki with 29.54%, a margin of just 1.82 percentage points. The surprise performance of far-right candidate Sławomir Mentzen, who took 14.8%, and the combined 21.1% gained by far-right candidates, suggest that their voter base could prove decisive.

Other candidates included Grzegorz Braun (6.3%), Szymon Hołownia (5.0%), and Magdalena Biejat (4.2%), with their left-leaning constituencies more likely to swing toward Trzaskowski in the runoff.

Key Issues at Stake

Judicial Reform: Trzaskowski supports reversing PiS-era changes that compromised judicial independence, meeting EU conditions for the release of withheld development funds. Nawrocki defends the previous reforms, framing them as democratization.

Social Policy: Abortion rights and LGBTQ+ protections remain divisive. Trzaskowski supports liberal reforms; Nawrocki opposes them on traditionalist grounds.

European Integration: Trzaskowski wants deeper EU ties and compliance with EU court rulings. Nawrocki favors a looser relationship, resisting perceived EU overreach.

Security and Defense: Both advocate increasing defense budgets amid the Ukraine conflict, though Nawrocki urges caution in Poland’s foreign commitments.

Campaign Atmosphere and Democratic Health

The campaign has been marked by intense polarization, inflammatory rhetoric, and reported foreign interference. The OSCE has flagged xenophobic and anti-LGBTQ+ messaging, especially from fringe candidates. State institutions remain politically fraught, and trust in democratic processes has not fully recovered from prior governance controversies.

International Implications

Poland’s role as a key NATO member and sixth-largest EU economy magnifies the significance of this election. A Trzaskowski presidency could revitalize Poland’s EU standing, unblocking access to billions in funds and reaffirming commitment to shared European values. A Nawrocki win, while not signaling “Polexit,” could exacerbate EU tensions and embolden illiberal forces in neighboring countries.

Outlook: Runoff on a Knife’s Edge

With polls showing Trzaskowski holding a slim and fluctuating lead, the outcome hinges on how voters from the far-right and smaller liberal parties align in the second round. Each candidate must expand beyond their base: Trzaskowski courting moderate conservatives without alienating progressives, and Nawrocki consolidating the right without deterring centrist voters wary of PiS’s legacy.

Conclusion

Poland’s June 1 runoff will shape not only its domestic political landscape, but also the future of European democracy. For many voters, this election is more than a routine democratic exercise—it is a choice between a forward-looking European Poland and a sovereign, tradition-focused state resisting external influence. The result will reverberate far beyond Warsaw, offering either a path to democratic renewal or the continuation of deep-seated institutional confrontation.

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