Exit polls show a closely contested election between Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki, aiming for the presidency amid a politically charged atmosphere.
Warsaw's Liberal Mayor Poised for Presidential Run-off
Warsaw's Liberal Mayor Poised for Presidential Run-off
Polls indicate Rafal Trzaskowski may lead Poland's next presidential race, but competition remains fierce.
Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski is on track for a narrow victory in the Polish presidential election, according to recent exit polls, but he will likely face conservative historian Karol Nawrocki in a decisive second-round run-off. The poll, released after voting concluded, showed Trzaskowski, a prominent figure in the centrist Civic Platform (PO) party, securing 30.8% of the total votes, while Nawrocki closely followed with 29.1%. The official results are projected to be released later today, but as no candidate surpassed the required 50%, a runoff is expected on June 1st.
At a rally held in Sandomierz, Trzaskowski expressed optimism to his supporters, stating, "We're going to win," but acknowledged that significant efforts would be necessary to secure a victory. He committed to working alongside Prime Minister Donald Tusk's coalition to potential reforms in the country's strict abortion laws and judicial system, which many believe have been unduly influenced by the previous ruling party.
Despite Trzaskowski's lead in the exit polls, it marked a decrease compared to earlier expectations where he was anticipated to be ahead by approximately 4%-6%. The role of the President in Poland is largely ceremonial, yet the incumbent can veto legislation, necessitating Tusk's coalition to gain a president aligned with their agenda to push through proposed reforms.
Karol Nawrocki, representing the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS), has rallied his supporters by calling for a stop to Tusk’s influence over Polish power structures. An unexpected challenge for Trzaskowski comes from how to effectively mobilize support, especially given the strong showing of far-right candidates in the polls, many of whom may not align with either major candidate in the run-off.
The results from far-right candidates, notably Slawomir Mentzen and Grzegorz Braun, add another layer of complexity, as their supporters might not easily transition their votes to either Trzaskowski or Nawrocki, further complicating the race dynamics. With tensions high and the stakes raised, both candidates will need to strategically court their respective bases in what promises to be an intensifying electoral battle in Polish politics.
