Poland’s two presidential candidates, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and historian Karol Nawrocki, engaged in a heated debate about the country’s relationship with Ukraine just days before the June 1 runoff election. The dispute centered on Poland’s stance towards Ukraine’s NATO bid, with both candidates taking distinct positions.
Nawrocki, backed by the opposition Law and Justice party, claimed that President Volodymyr Zelensky “treats Poland badly” and defended his criticism of Ukraine’s NATO bid. He argued that he was speaking for the Polish people, citing an eight-point declaration signed in support of blocking Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
Trzaskowski, on the other hand, rejected Nawrocki’s stance, calling it a repetition of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “propaganda.” The conservative candidate emphasized that millions of Poles would also express similar views, but are silenced by accusations of echoing Putin.
The debate has significant implications for Poland’s domestic and foreign policy. As the Polish presidency holds veto power, the outcome of the June 1 election will shape the pace and direction of key reforms in the country. With the ruling coalition lacking a majority to override presidential vetoes, the choice between Trzaskowski and Nawrocki will have far-reaching consequences for Poland’s relationship with Ukraine and its international partnerships.
Source: https://kyivindependent.com/polish-presidential-rivals-clash-over-ukraines-accession-to-nato-in-debate-before-june-1-vote