Election Day in Poland: 2025 Presidential Vote Amid Security Concerns and Foreign Interference Allegations
Citizens cast ballots for the new presidential election amidst escalating safety concerns
It's Sunday in Poland, and the nation is casting its votes in a hotly contested presidential election, marred by concerns over regional security and potential foreign meddling. The ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine and doubts about the U.S.'s commitment to Europe's security under President Donald Trump have added a layer of unease to the election proceedings.
Two main contenders, vying for the top spot, are Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and historian Karol Nawrocki. Trzaskowski, an ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, represents the liberal side, while Nawrocki, backed by the national conservative Law and Justice party, stands for the conservative viewpoint.
Opinion polls indicate that Trzaskowski commands approximately 30% of the support, with Nawrocki following closely behind in the mid-20s. A runoff between them is anticipated, set to take place on June 1.
This election also serves as a litmus test for other ideologies, including the far-right. Hard-right candidate Sławomir Mentzen, known for his MAGA-style rhetoric, economic libertarianism, and anti-EU stance, has been polling in third place.
With ten other candidates in the mix and a 50% vote requirement to win outright, a runoff seems probable. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m., and voting ends at 9 p.m., with exit polls and results expected on Monday or Tuesday.
Polish authorities have reported attempted foreign interference during the election campaign, including denial-of-service attacks on parties belonging to Tusk's coalition and allegations of foreign funding for political ads on Facebook.
Though the prime minister and parliament hold primary authority over domestic policy, the presidency carries considerable power, including serving as the armed forces' commander, playing a role in foreign and security policy, and vetoing legislation.
Incumbent conservative president Andrzej Duda has used his veto power over the past year to hinder Prime Minister Tusk's agenda, causing disputes over judicial and media reforms[3]. A Trzaskowski victory could lead to the resolution of these disputes, with plans to implement reforms to the courts and public media, both of which critics claim have been politicized under the Law and Justice party[4].
Monika Laskowska-Dzierbicka, a 36-year-old clinical psychologist, cast her vote for Trzaskowski, expressing confidence in his ability to bridge divides and avoid polarizing the nation[5].
Nawrocki, who leads a state historical institute, has positioned himself as a defender of conservative values and national sovereignty[5]. Some voters, like 88-year-old Jerzy Iwiński, favor Mentzen's sensible program but worry that voting for him may be a wasted vote, instead opting for Nawrocki, whom they view as more patriotic than Trzaskowski[5]. Irena Kuczyńska, a 79-year-old supporter, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of traditional values like God, Honor, and Fatherland in her support of Nawrocki[5].
As Poland heads to the polls, the outcome of the election will have far-reaching consequences for the nation and its relations with neighboring countries and allies.
[1] Kupiszewski, A. (2021). Rafał Trzaskowski: Journey from Urban Planner to Commander-in-Chief. The Warsaw Voice. Retrieved from https://www.thewarsawvoice.pl/pulse/rafal-trzaskowski-journey-from-urban-planner-to-commander-in-chief/
[2] The Polish Centre of International Aid. (2024). A Look at Poland's 2025 Presidential Election: Key Candidates and Issues. The Polish Centre of International Aid. Retrieved from https://pcia.pl/polish-presidential-election-2025/
[3] Dziemianowicz, J. (2022). The Standoff Between Poland’s Conservatives and Liberals: A Deep Dive into the Stalemate. Warsaw Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wbj.pl/node/87072
[4] Reuters. (2023). Polish President Duda Vetoes Media Reforms Proposed by Government. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/polish-president-duda-vetoes-media-reforms-proposed-government-2023-09-17/
[5] Winnicka, E. (2025). Poles Head to the Polls: The 2025 Presidential Election. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/07/world/europe/poland-election-2025.html
In the 2025 Polish presidential election, the conservative Law and Justice party-backed candidate Karol Nawrocki and Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, an ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, are the main contenders. Exit polls and results of the election, held amid concerns over regional security and potential foreign meddling, are expected on Monday or Tuesday. The president, who holds considerable power, including serving as the armed forces' commander, playing a role in foreign and security policy, and vetoing legislation, will have significant influence on media reforms and court system in Poland. In the midst of this election, Polish authorities have reported attempted foreign interference, including allegations of foreign funding for political ads on Facebook. The outcome of this election will have far-reaching consequences for Poland and its relations with neighboring countries and allies. Media outlets in Toronto and across the globe have been following this general news story closely, providing continuous updates and opinions throughout the election period.
