**Polish Presidential Election Heads to Runoff: Trzaskowski and Nawrocki to Face Off in June**
In a closely contested election, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski has narrowly led the Polish presidential vote, but failed to secure an outright victory. According to exit polls, Trzaskowski, a senior figure in Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Platform party, won 30.8% of the vote, while conservative Karol Nawrocki, backed by the nationalist Law and Justice party, came in second with 29.1%. The two will face off in a second-round runoff on June 1.
**A Tight Contest Ahead**
The election has been marked by intense competition between Trzaskowski and Nawrocki, with both candidates vying for support from centrist and center-left voters. Speaking to supporters, Trzaskowski remained optimistic, saying “We’re going to win,” but acknowledged that victory would require “a lot of work and great determination.” He also emphasized his commitment to working with Tusk’s coalition government to liberalize Poland’s strict abortion laws and push forward judicial reforms.
**Nawrocki Gains Momentum**
Meanwhile, Nawrocki has seen his profile rise throughout the campaign. Addressing supporters in Gdansk, he warned that Tusk must be stopped from gaining “total power in Poland.” He also urged voters who backed far-right candidates to rally behind him in the second round to “save Poland” from Tusk’s influence.
**The Stakes are High**
While Poland’s presidency is largely ceremonial, the role carries significant veto power. With Tusk’s coalition lacking a parliamentary majority to override a presidential veto, the outcome of the runoff will determine whether the government can move forward with key reforms. This makes the election all the more critical, as voters must choose between two competing visions for Poland’s future.
**What’s Next?**
The second-round runoff on June 1 is expected to be closely contested, with both candidates working hard to consolidate support and sway undecided voters. The outcome will have significant implications for Poland’s politics and its relationships with Europe and the rest of the world.
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