Karol Nawrocki, a newcomer to politics, has pulled off a surprising victory in Poland’s presidential runoff election. Backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, Nawrocki secured 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating Rafal Trzaskowski, the ruling Civic Coalition (KO) candidate and mayor of Warsaw, who received 49.11%.
The final results, announced by the Polish National Electoral Commission early Monday, confirmed Nawrocki’s unexpected win. This was his first presidential campaign, and he faced an uphill battle from the start. Throughout the race, he consistently trailed Trzaskowski in polls, including initial exit surveys on election night.
Born in 1983 in Gdansk, Nawrocki is a historian and the head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance. He is set to succeed incumbent President Andrzej Duda, whose second and final term ends on August 6.
Nawrocki’s victory marks a significant shift in Polish politics, reflecting a desire for change among voters. His rise to the presidency highlights how quickly political landscapes can evolve and emphasizes the importance of participating in democratic processes.
