Polish citizens head to the polls today in the first round of a presidential election that could reshape the country’s political and international trajectory. With 28.9 million registered voters and 13 candidates in the race, the vote will determine whether Poland embraces deeper judicial and media reforms under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, or continues the conservative legacy under a potentially veto-wielding president aligned with the right.
Voting is underway at over 32,000 polling stations, including 511 abroad and five at sea. If no candidate secures over 50%, a runoff between the top two will take place in 14 days.
Polls suggest a tight race between Warsaw’s liberal mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski, and Karol Nawrocki, the conservative candidate backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Trzaskowski’s early lead of 10–12 points has narrowed to just 5–6%.
Radical nationalist Slawomir Mentzen, known for his xenophobic, anti-Ukrainian rhetoric and push for a total abortion ban, is also gaining traction, presenting himself as a youthful alternative to the political establishment.
Interestingly, security and defense—traditionally dominant issues—have been notably absent from this campaign. Prime Minister Tusk has strategically shifted narratives away from fearmongering, choosing to focus instead on restoring democratic institutions, judicial independence, and EU integration, all hindered during PiS’s tenure.
Both Tusk and incumbent President Andrzej Duda have emphasized the high stakes, urging high voter turnout. Duda, allied with the outgoing conservative bloc, appeals to voters to preserve PiS-era reforms, which strained EU relations and led to frozen EU funds due to judicial interference and media control.
Nawrocki has pledged to align with figures like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and promote a hard-right European vision under the slogan “MEGA – Make Europe Great Again”, echoing Trump-era politics.
Law and Justice supporters circulated images of Nawrocki allegedly endorsed by Donald Trump, and claimed symbolic encounters with U.S. officials as diplomatic victories.
Exit polls are expected shortly after polls close at 9 p.m., with official results due Monday.
