WARSAW, Poland — The outcome of Poland’s presidential election slowly unfolded following an intense and suspenseful night of vote tallying, during which both contenders remained neck-to-neck, according to early exit polls. As Poles awakened on Monday, they were met with the news that the election had produced a narrowly decided victory, bringing a nationalist politician to the helm. This new president is determined to challenge the centrist government aligned with the European Union for the duration of its current term.
Here’s a closer look at Karol Nawrocki, Poland’s freshly elected conservative leader:
**Backed by Trump**
Aged 42, Nawrocki is a historian who stepped into the political arena with no prior experience. Until his endorsement by the conservative Law and Justice party—which held sway over Poland from 2015 to 2023—Nawrocki was not affiliated with any political faction. In his capacity as the head of the Institute of National Remembrance, he gained recognition for advocating nationalist historical narratives. Notably, he spearheaded initiatives to dismantle Soviet Red Army monuments in Poland, a move that reportedly landed him on Russia’s wanted list according to Polish media reports.
Supporters of Nawrocki see him as a staunch proponent of traditional and patriotic values. A significant number among them oppose both abortion and LGBTQ+ visibility, seeking in Nawrocki a reflection of the traditional values they hold dear. He became the favorite of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) arranging its inaugural event in Poland to boost his campaign. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a notable Trump associate, endorsed Nawrocki and urged the Polish electorate to cast their votes in his favor.
Nawrocki’s campaign resonated with themes popular among American conservatives. His followers often emphasize his potential to restore “normality,” drawing parallels to Trump’s tenure. Rally attendees brandished U.S. flags, and Nawrocki’s performance in the initial round exceeded expectations, suggesting prior polling had underestimated his appeal.
**Ties to Controversies**
Nawrocki’s meteoric rise in politics hasn’t been free of controversy. Reports have surfaced linking him to criminal figures, stemming from his past ventures in boxing and hotel security. He has also faced scrutiny over the acquisition of an apartment in Gdansk from an elderly pensioner named Jerzy. Allegations imply that Nawrocki promised to care for Jerzy in exchange for the property but failed to uphold his end, resulting in Jerzy’s placement in a publicly funded retirement facility. In response, after the scandal became public, Nawrocki donated the apartment to charity.
Further complicating his image, it was revealed that Nawrocki was involved in a 2009 Gdansk altercation among roughly 140 rival soccer fans, some of whom were later convicted of crimes. He portrayed the incident as a form of “noble” confrontation. Media reports have also delved into his alleged connections to organized crime and the world of prostitution.
His detractors argue these issues render him unsuitable to lead Poland as president. However, many on the right remain skeptical of the allegations, accusing the media of bias against him. This skepticism appears to have galvanized his base. It remains uncertain what impact, if any, these controversies had on the election results.