Polish voters headed to the polls on Sunday in a fiercely contested presidential runoff that could reshape the country’s stance on Europe, social rights, and its future role on the global stage.
The race pits pro-European Union candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, 53, the mayor of Warsaw and ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist government, against nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki, 42. With polls showing the two neck-and-neck, the outcome remains too close to call.
Voting stations closed at 8 p.m. Irish time, with an exit poll expected shortly after and official results anticipated by Monday.
The election carries significant stakes for Poland, a nation of 38 million that plays a pivotal role in NATO and is a frontline supporter of Ukraine amid its war with Russia. Beyond foreign policy, the result could determine the direction of domestic social reforms, particularly on contentious issues such as abortion access and LGBTQ rights.
A Trzaskowski victory would strengthen the current government’s progressive agenda, likely paving the way for civil partnerships for same-sex couples and a loosening of the country’s strict abortion laws. His backers largely support deeper integration with the European Union and the expansion of civil liberties.
“Polish women don’t enjoy the same rights as other Europeans,” said Małgorzata Wojciechowska, a tour guide and teacher. “I hope Trzaskowski reopens the debate on abortion and gives us the freedom to decide.”
In contrast, Nawrocki’s campaign has emphasized national sovereignty, traditional values, and resistance to EU influence. A win for the conservative candidate would energize the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, potentially sparking a call for early parliamentary elections.
“We must follow our own path and not give in to Western trends,” said Agnieszka Prokopiuk, a voter in the eastern city of Biała Podlaska.
Nawrocki, who has expressed admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump, opposes NATO membership for Ukraine and has questioned continued aid for the estimated one million Ukrainian refugees living in Poland. He ended his campaign by laying flowers at a monument commemorating Poles killed by Ukrainian nationalists during World War II, calling it “a genocide.”
Sunday’s vote followed a highly polarized first round in which Trzaskowski narrowly led with 31% to Nawrocki’s 30%. Analysts say the final result will likely hinge on turnout and whether far-right voters—who accounted for over 21% in the first round—rally behind Nawrocki.
Political scientist Anna Materska-Sosnowska described the contest as “a real clash of civilisations,” underscoring the profound ideological divide between the candidates.
The eyes of Europe—and of neighbouring Ukraine—remain fixed on the result, which could redefine Poland’s domestic policies and international alliances in the years to come.
