Move FM Global News

WARSAW, Poland: Poland held a second round of voting in its presidential election on Sunday, but exit polls show the race is too close to declare a winner. The country is sharply divided between two very different candidates, and the final results may shape Poland’s future, especially its relationship with the European Union.

Early exit polls showed Rafał Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw, slightly ahead. But a later poll gave the lead to conservative historian Karol Nawrocki with 50.7 percent, just ahead of Trzaskowski’s 49.3 percent. With such a slight difference and a margin of error, no one knows for sure who won.

Despite this, both candidates claimed victory in speeches to their supporters in Warsaw. Trzaskowski said, “We won,” and called the moment special in Poland’s history. “I will be your president,” he declared.

At a different event, Nawrocki told his supporters, “We will win and save Poland,” showing confidence that he would come out ahead.

The final results are expected on June 9.

This election is important because current conservative President Andrzej Duda has completed his second and final term. The new president will have the power to block or support the government’s plans. This could affect how Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist government moves forward.

The runoff followed a tight first round of voting on May 18, where Trzaskowski received just over 31 percent and Nawrocki nearly 30 percent. Eleven other candidates were eliminated.

Trzaskowski supports the European Union and promises to make the courts more independent, improve women’s rights, and reduce social tension. Nawrocki stands for traditional Polish values and is more skeptical of the EU. He has strong support from the right-wing Law and Justice party and is seen as an ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Nawrocki has faced criticism over past links to criminal groups and involvement in violent street fights. He denies any criminal connections but admits to taking part in what he calls “noble” fights. His supporters see the attacks as political smears.

Nawrocki said his campaign united people who want a safe and patriotic Poland, including those who voted for far-right candidates in the first round. He promised to keep out illegal migrants and protect Polish culture.

Some voters, like 82-year-old former teacher Władysława Wąsowska, supported Nawrocki because they believe he represents Polish tradition and independence. “I love God, the church, and the homeland,” she said, accusing Trzaskowski of being influenced by Germany.

On the other side, some voters supported Trzaskowski because they believed he was more competent and would reduce political fighting. Katarzyna Malek, 29, said she hoped his leadership would bring more unity and better cooperation with other countries.

Both candidates support helping Ukraine, which shares a border with Poland. However, they differ on NATO: Nawrocki opposes Ukraine joining NATO, while Trzaskowski supports it in the future.

This close election shows just how divided Poland is. The final result will decide whether the country follows a more nationalist path or a more liberal and pro-European one.