On a brisk fall weekend in Warsaw, voters turned out in force for Poland’s presidential first round. Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, deputy leader of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist Civic Platform, clinched 31.36% of the vote—just ahead of Karol Nawrocki of the Law and Justice party, who garnered 29.54%. The narrow margin sets the stage for a high-stakes run-off next month.
Trzaskowski, a vocal pro-EU advocate, celebrated robust youth engagement: “I’m glad that many young people went to the polls, but it’s a great challenge to convince them to vote for me.” Nawrocki, a nationalist who met with U.S. President Trump in the Oval Office earlier this month, vowed to defend “the social achievements of the Law and Justice government.”
Polling vs. Reality
Pre-election surveys predicted a 4–6 point lead for Trzaskowski, but the slim difference highlights how divided the electorate has become. Analysts say this result sends a clear message to the ruling coalition, which unseated Law and Justice after eight years in power last October.
Run-Off Preview
As Poland heads back to the polls next month, both camps are ramping up outreach efforts. The outcome could influence Warsaw’s approach to EU policy, economic reforms, and social initiatives. For globally minded citizens—business innovators, tech enthusiasts, and cultural travelers alike—this election underscores the power of engaged communities.
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Pro-EU mayor wins first round of Poland's presidential election
cgtn.com
