Poland’s next two weeks will “decide the future” of the country as a presidential runoff vote approaches. The outcome of this election could determine whether the pro-European centrist Rafał Trzaskowski wins and reverses the erosion of democratic checks and balances, or if the populist rightwing Karol Nawrocki emerges victorious.
Trzaskowski had long been seen as the frontrunner but narrowly trailed Nawrocki in the first round. The two candidates have starkly different visions for Poland: Trzaskowski advocates for a pro-EU liberal agenda, while Nawrocki supports nationalist and Trumpist policies.
The runoff is crucial not only because of its potential impact on Poland’s democratic system but also due to the country’s ongoing standoff with populist right presidency. Tusk and his coalition took power in 2023, vowing to reverse this erosion, but their efforts have been hindered by the outgoing president Andrzej Duda.
The outcome will be influenced by various factors, including voter sentiment and campaign strategies. The supporters of radical-right candidate Sławomir Mentzen could play a key role in swaying undecided voters, while the far-right’s presence has narrowed the gap between Trzaskowski and Nawrocki.
As the two candidates gear up for their final push, analysts predict a highly polarising and brutal campaign. Professor Aleks Szczerbiak of the University of Sussex stated that “everything is absolutely everything to play for,” with many observers believing it’s a neck-and-neck contest. The fate of Poland hangs in the balance as voters prepare to make their decision in the next two weeks.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/donald-tusk-next-two-weeks-will-decide-future-of-poland