
Published 02/06/2025 18:03 | Edited 02/06/2025 18:51
Poland chose its new president on Sunday (1st), and the winner was conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, who surpassed by narrow margin the liberal mayor of Warsaw, Rafal Trzaskowski. According to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Nawrock won 50.89% of the votescontra 49.11% de Trzaskowskidenying the projections of the mouth of a ballot box that predicted defeat to the far right candidate.
The election reflects a strong polarization in the country and highlights the wear and tear of the liberal field, even though the government continues in the hands of the center-right coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Nawrock, supported by the conservative party Law and Justice (PIS)it takes on promises to harden positions on sensitive to the European Union, such as the environment and migration.
Explicit Support of Trump and CPAC has boosted candidacy
Nawrock’s campaign was explicitly supported by former United States President Donald Trump, and weight figures from the International Conservative Movement. The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a traditional US bastion bastion, held its first event in Poland on May 27, a few days before the decisive election.
During the event, US internal security secretary Kristi Noem openly endorsed Nawrocki’s candidacy, calling Trzaskowski a “leader disaster” and claiming that “Karol needs to be the next president of Poland.”
The gesture provoked criticism from the Tusk government, which denounced foreign interference, but reinforced Nawrock’s image as a candidate aligned with a sovereign, antiglobalist, and critical view of the European Union.
The historian who became a symbol of the new Polish right
To the 42 yearsNawrock is a known name in the field of historical memory and cultural conservatism in Poland. President of the National Memory Institute, he dedicated his career to the preservation of the anti -communist narrative and the removal of Soviet symbols in the country – actions that have already irritated Kremlin. He also commanded the World War II Museum in Gdansk and maintains a firm image, reinforced by his hobby as an amateur boxer.
Despite controversy, such as the use of pseudonym in organized crime publications, Nawrocki was seen by many as a strong figure in uncertain times. Analysts attribute their victory to simplistic discourse and focus on the conservative audience, in contrast to Trzaskowski’s attempt to please all the electorate segments.
Young support and conservatism on the rise
Nawrock’s victory surprised to consolidate itself especially between voters from 18 to 39 yearstraditionally more progressive track. The result suggests that Polish youth values topics such as “sovereignty, tradition and strong leadership”, and has not yet bought the project of a “new progressive Poland”.
The adhesion of the young electorate to the nationalist and conservative discourse reinforces a trend that has gained body in other European democracies – the wear and tear of the political center and the rise of new directs with strong identity appeal.
Tensions with the European Union and focus on defense on the agenda
During the campaign, Nawrocki promised Remove Poland from the pact on migration and asylum from EU and from European green pactboth pillars of community policy. Also defended Raise defense spending to 5% of GDPabove the current 3.8%, at a time when the country remains alert to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Nawrock’s election occurs at a sensitive moment in Poland’s relations with his neighbors, especially Ukraine and Russia. Although Warsaw was one of Kiev’s leading supporters after the Russian invasion in 2022, tensions have grown in recent months. Nawrocki opposes the adhesion of Ukraine to NATO and the European Union, which represents a change of diplomatic direction. Already accused Moscow of recent attacks in Warsaw.
Given this, Nawrock proposed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP – one of the largest proportions in the world – as a way to ensure national security.
Abortion, taxes and housing: the themes that challenge
Poland remains one of the countries with more rigid laws against abortion In Europe, and the resistance to any flexibility was central to the right campaign. Nawrocki, aligned with PIS, maintains conservative policies defense on moral topics, which should intensify the clash with the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who did not have enough parliamentary support to make anti-abortion legislation flexible.
In the economy, the new president promised reduce taxes and face the High cost of housing and public transportation– Themes that weighed at the polls. Although the presidency has limited powers against Parliament and the Executive, the presidential veto and the influence on foreign policy and defense are strategic tools that Nawrocki promises to use firmly.
What to expect from the Nawrock Government?
The inauguration is scheduled for the August 6and the coming months will be decisive to test Nawrock’s ability to rule with an adverse parliament. Your challenge will be to show that, in addition to a fashion candidate full of controversial speeches, it is a president capable of building bridges without isolating Poland even more within the European Union.
In times of war on the continent and debates on sovereignty, energy and borders, Poland has chosen a president who promises to protect national identity and confront European consensus. Karol Nawrocki’s mandate may be the beginning of a new phase of tension in Polish politics.
Source: vermelho.org.br