https://www.newsmax.com/newsfr...dkt_nbr=0101020vxm9a

Poland has elected Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian and staunch nationalist, as its next president in a closely watched vote that signals a resurgence of right-wing populism in the heart of Europe.

Nawrocki, who is set to take office on Aug. 6, is expected to shape the country’s domestic and foreign policy in ways that could strain ties with Brussels while aligning the Central European nation of nearly 38 million people more closely with the administration of President Donald Trump in the United States.

Here are some key takeaways:

Nawrocki’s victory underscores the enduring appeal of nationalist rhetoric among about half of the country along the eastern flank of NATO and the European Union, and its deep social divisions.

The 42-year-old historian who had no previous political experience built his campaign on patriotic themes, traditional Catholic values, and a vow to defend Poland's sovereignty against the EU and larger European nations like Germany.

His win also reflects the appeal of right-wing nationalism across Europe, where concerns about migration, national sovereignty, and cultural identity have led to surging support for parties on the right — even the far right in recent times.

Far-right candidates did very well in Poland's first round of voting two weeks earlier, underlining the appeal of the nationalist and conservative views. Nawrocki picked up many of those votes.

As his supporters celebrate his win, those who voted for the defeated liberal candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, worry that it will hasten the erosion of liberal democratic norms.

Nawrocki’s presidency presents a direct challenge to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who returned to power in late 2023 pledging to mend relations with the EU and restore judicial independence which Brussels said was eroded by Law and Justice, the party that backed Nawrocki.

But Tusk's coalition — a fragile alliance of centrists, leftists, and agrarian conservatives — has struggled to push through key promises including a civil union law for same-sex couples and a less restrictive abortion law.

Nawrocki, who opposes such measures, will have the power to veto legislation, complicating Tusk’s agenda and potentially triggering political gridlock.

Nawrocki's election could signal a stronger relationship between Poland and the Trump administration.

Poland and the U.S. are close allies, and there are 10,000 U.S. troops stationed in Poland, but Tusk and his partners in the past have been critical of Trump. Nawrocki, however, has a worldview closely aligned with Trump and his Make America Great Again ethos.

Trump welcomed Nawrocki to the White House a month ago and his administration made clear in other ways that he was its preferred candidate.

While Nawrocki has voiced support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, he does not back Ukrainian membership in NATO and has questioned the long-term costs of aid — particularly support for refugees.

His rhetoric has at times echoed that of Trump, for instance by accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of what he said was insufficient gratitude for Poland’s assistance. With growing public fatigue over helping Ukrainian refugees, Nawrocki’s approach could shift Poland’s posture from strong ally to conditional partner if the war drags on much longer.

The election result is a setback for the EU, which had welcomed Tusk’s return in 2023 as a signal of renewed pro-European engagement.

Nawrocki and the Law and Justice party have criticized what nationalists view as EU overreach into Poland's national affairs, especially regarding judicial reforms and migration policy.

While the president does not control day-to-day diplomacy, Nawrocki’s symbolic and veto powers could frustrate Brussels’ efforts to bring Poland back into alignment with bloc standards, particularly on rule-of-law issues.

Though an EU member, Poland has its own currency, the zloty, which weakened slightly on Monday morning, reflecting investor concerns over potential policy instability and renewed tensions with EU institutions.

Billions of euros in EU funding has been linked to judicial reforms which Tusk's government will now be unlikely to enact without presidential cooperation.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

The constant referring to Conservatives as “Far Right” is laughable. Most of these politicians would be considered just Right of Center in the US.
It’s the Far Left that is ruining the EU.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
The constant referring to Conservatives as “Far Right” is laughable. Most of these politicians would be considered just Right of Center in the US.
It’s the Far Left that is ruining the EU.

From the AP article:
"those who voted for the defeated liberal candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, worry that it will hasten the erosion of liberal democratic norms."
If "liberal democratic norms" are anything like liberal democrats demand in the US, I would welcome their hastening erosion!

Good, I hope her security is very high on the list of those who are in charge of protecting her.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Good, I hope her security is very high on the list of those who are in charge of protecting her.

quote:

Karol Nawrocki

Karol Nawrocki
President-elect of Poland and polish historian
Karol Tadeusz Nawrocki is a Polish historian, former professional athlete, and politician who is the president-elect of Poland. Since 2025, he is the head of the Institute of National Remembrance. He also served as the director of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk from 2017 to 2021. After winning the country's presidential elections, Nawrocki will become the country's next president on 6 August. Nawrocki's research focuses on anticommunist opposition in Poland, organised crime in the Polish People's Republic and the history of sports. Wikipedia
Born Karol Tadeusz Nawrocki, March 03, 1983, Gdańsk, Poland
Age 42 years
Political party Independent

Whoops, Ok. Same goes for him and those in charge of protecting him.

While he may be friendly towards Trump, I'd rather think of him winning as people coming to their senses.

quote:

I'd rather think of him winning as people coming to their senses.

Europe has been on a course of self-destruction for a long time. Hopefully, they wake up in time to help save western civilization.

quote:

Originally posted by Rey HRH:
While he may be friendly towards Trump, I'd rather think of him winning as people coming to their senses.

The Poles are awake

They told the EU to pound sand when they wanted to flood them with muslim "refugees"

When Ukraine was invaded, they placed those refugees with families instead of making refugee camps. They get it

My son was deployed to Poland a few years ago. He said that the Poles (the ones he dealt with) really liked America and were very helpful and friendly. He also said, despite past history, they tolerated the Germans. But also, due to past history, they absolutely abhorred / hated the USSR / Russians.

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfr...dkt_nbr=010102021wca

Trump, Polish President Tweet Newsmax Headline

Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Tuesday shared a post from President Donald Trump through his social media, in which Trump had mentioned Newsmax coverage in connection with the European nation's election of his ally.

In Trump's Truth Social post, which went online shortly after midnight, the president wrote:

"TRUMP ALLY WINS IN POLAND, SHOCKING ALL IN EUROPE." NewsMax. Congratulations Poland, you picked a WINNER!"

And Nawrocki, sharing the post on X, wrote, "Thank you, Mr. President. Strong alliance with the USA, as well as partnership based on close cooperation are my top priorities."

The new Polish president's post has been seen by nearly 850,000 people, according to X.

Nawrocki, a conservative historian and strong Trump ally, was elected on Monday, with the vote signaling a resurgence of conservatism in Europe.

He is set to take office on Aug. 6, and is expected to align his administration in the Central European nation of nearly 38 million people closely with Trump's White House.

I'll apologize for every Polack joke I ever told if the Polish withdraw from the EU.

LOl, me too.

quote:

Originally posted by Glynn863:
My son was deployed to Poland a few years ago. He said that the Poles (the ones he dealt with) really liked America and were very helpful and friendly. He also said, despite past history, they tolerated the Germans. But also, due to past history, they absolutely abhorred / hated the USSR / Russians.

They are just itching to get to go slaughter Ivan.
That's what I get from the 3 polish engineers I deal with say.