Poland is holding a presidential runoff election that has drawn international attention due to the influence of former US President Donald Trump on the outcome. The two remaining candidates, liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki, are polling closely and their victory will have significant implications for Poland’s domestic course and its international standing.
Trump’s endorsement of Nawrocki has been seen as a strategic move to sway Polish voters towards conservative rule. The US President’s Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also met with Nawrocki earlier this month and offered closer military ties if he wins the election.
The nationalist movement in Poland is gaining traction, with far-right politician Sławomir Mentzen finishing third in the first round of voting. Despite being eliminated from the ballot, Mentzen’s supporters have become a key constituency for both remaining candidates. Their influence highlights a broader shift in Polish politics, where right-wing forces are increasingly shaping the national agenda.
The outcome of the election will not only determine Poland’s domestic policy but also its international standing as a key European Union and NATO member. The vote has sparked anxiety over Russia’s war in Ukraine and the potential implications for Poland’s security.
As the two candidates prepare for the runoff, they have engaged in a series of high-profile interviews on YouTube, which have dominated the political conversation. Both Trzaskowski and Nawrocki have presented their platforms, but their responses to each other have been tense at times, particularly over LGBTQ+ rights.
The election has also highlighted the growing appeal of right-wing forces in Poland, with many voters turning to populist leaders who promise to restore a lost past. The outcome of the runoff will determine whether this trend continues or reverses course.
In an informal gathering after a debate, Trzaskowski and Mentzen were seen having a beer together, which sparked speculation about the true nature of their relationship. However, after weeks of dangling promises of support, Sławomir Mentzen has since announced that he will not offer endorsement to either candidate, urging his supporters to vote according to their conscience.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/poland-presidential-election-nawrocki-trzaskowski-trump-mentzen-65809f2f278f7430cbdfe313e312e9f4