Karol Nawrocki Becomes Poland's President, Setting Stage for Clash with Tusk

Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, took office as Poland’s president today, creating new hurdles for Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-European government.

Nawrocki, 42, won a tight election in June with 50.89% of the vote, beating Warsaw’s liberal mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski, in a race that highlighted Poland’s deep political divide. Nawrocki, who previously led the Institute of National Remembrance, ran on a “Poland First” platform, focusing on national pride and traditional values.

His presidency is likely to complicate Tusk’s plans, especially efforts to undo PiS-backed judicial changes that critics say weakened the courts’ independence. With the power to veto laws, Nawrocki could block Tusk’s agenda, and Tusk’s coalition doesn’t have the votes in parliament to override him.

• Karol Nawrocki Becomes Poland’s President, Posing Challenge to Tusk’s Pro-EU Agenda
• Poland Elects Conservative Karol Nawrocki, Setting Up Power Struggle with PM Tusk
• Nawrocki’s Presidency Signals Political Gridlock in Poland Amid EU and U.S. Tensions

A fan of Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, Nawrocki has made clear that strengthening ties with the United States is a top priority. “The U.S. is our key partner,” his spokesman, Rafal Leskiewicz, said. This focus might create tension with Tusk’s push for a stronger European Union role in defense alongside NATO. Nawrocki’s cautious stance on Ukraine’s bids to join NATO and the EU could also strain relations with Kyiv, even though he supports military aid for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.

The election wasn’t without controversy. Nawrocki faced accusations tied to his past, including involvement in soccer hooligan brawls, which he admitted to, playing up his image as an amateur boxer. Trzaskowski’s supporters filed thousands of complaints about voting irregularities, but these didn’t change the result. Today, PiS lawmaker Michal Wojcik called for a march in Warsaw to rally behind Nawrocki.

Also Read: Trump to Host Armenia, Azerbaijan Leaders for Peace Talks

Experts, like sociologist Andrzej Rychard, are unsure how Nawrocki will govern—whether he’ll stick closely to PiS’s playbook or carve his own path. For now, Poland faces more political gridlock, with Tusk’s pro-EU reforms at risk as the country navigates its role in a divided Europe until the 2027 elections.