Monday, 17 August 2026Europe · Analysis
Independent · Brussels & Berlin
Person
Mayor of Warsaw and presidential candidate, Civic Coalition
The 42-year-old historian and Trump ally won a narrow June victory over Rafal Trzaskowski, promising a sovereign Poland within the EU but not of it, while Tusk warns he will defend the constitution.
Polish prime minister wins parliamentary backing with 242 votes but faces a hostile president, a restless coalition and polls showing a third of voters expect early elections before 2027.
Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki led competing demonstrations on Sunday as polls show the June 1 runoff tied at 47 percent each, with the presidency's veto power hanging in the balance.
Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki offer starkly different visions for Poland's role in Europe as voters head to the polls on 18 May, with the winner holding veto power over judicial repairs and migration policy.
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