Poles headed to the polls Sunday in a pivotal presidential election that could reshape the country’s stance on the European Union and liberal values. The vote is seen as a referendum on whether Poland continues the pro-European path set by Prime Minister Donald Tusk or leans back toward the nationalist right inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The main contenders are Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski from Tusk’s Civic Coalition and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, backed by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party. Trzaskowski, the pro-EU frontrunner, is expected to face Nawrocki in a likely run-off on June 1 unless one secures over 50% in the first round.
Trzaskowski promises to strengthen Poland’s EU and NATO ties, reverse controversial PiS judicial reforms, and restore democratic standards. Meanwhile, Nawrocki frames the election as a battle against unchecked liberal power and defends traditional values, criticizing Trzaskowski’s support for LGBT rights and secular policies. Despite denying fraud allegations over a real estate dispute, Nawrocki received a political boost from a meeting with Trump at the White House.
Other candidates include far-right Slawomir Mentzen, centrist Szymon Holownia, and leftist Magdalena Biejat.
The Polish presidency holds limited powers but can veto legislation, a role outgoing President Andrzej Duda has used to block reforms. A Trzaskowski win could facilitate Tusk’s agenda, while a Nawrocki presidency could preserve PiS influence.
The vote coincides with Romania’s presidential run-off between centrist Nicusor Dan and nationalist George Simion, highlighting rising euroscepticism as the EU faces growing geopolitical pressure from Russia and renewed U.S. trade tensions under Trump.
Polls in Poland close at 9 p.m. local time, with over 29 million citizens eligible to vote.