Competitors closely tied in race preceding Poland's "cultural collision" election
In the final day of campaigning before Sunday's presidential election, Warsaw's pro-European Union (EU) mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki are locked in a close race. The vote determines the direction of Poland, a key member of both the EU and NATO.
Opinion polls indicate a tight contest, with Trzaskowski leading by a marginal 0.2 percentage points, within the polling margin of error. A victory for Trzaskowski would mark a significant shift in Poland's political landscape, potentially leading to the introduction of civil partnerships for same-sex couples and easing the near-total ban on abortion. On the other hand, a win for Nawrocki, supported by PiS (Law and Justice Party), could undermine Poland's support for neighbouring Ukraine against Russia and increase parliamentary elections' likelihood.
Trzaskowski, a centrist and liberal politician, stands in sharp contrast to Nawrocki, an independent candidate backed by PiS. Trzaskowski, who won the first round with a razor-thin margin, is strongly pro-EU, advocating for closer ties with Brussels and more progressive domestic policies. Nawrocki, a historian and nationalist, represents a more Eurosceptic stance and is skeptical of deeper EU integration.
The election outcome is uncertain, with analysts suggesting the final result may not be known until Monday. The race has been described as a "clash of civilizations," reflecting significant differences between the candidates regarding abortion, LGBTQ rights, and Poland's relations with Ukraine and the EU.
In the village of Kleszczow, many residents told AFP they would vote for Nawrocki, expressing concerns about immigration and the selling of the country. The final stretch of the campaign saw Nawrocki embroiled in several scandals, including allegations of arranging prostitutes and misrepresenting property ownership.
The Polish presidency, often dismissed as a ceremonial post, holds crucial veto power over legislation, potentially stymieing Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist Civic Coalition (KO) in its clashes with conservative President Andrzej Duda.
This close election underscores deep divisions within Polish society between pro-Western liberal individuals and nationalist conservatives. The outcome will significantly impact Poland's domestic and foreign policies, potentially complicating relations with the EU.
The election, teetering on the brink of a nail-biting finish, could severely alter Poland's political panorama, shifting focus towards either general-news topics such as civil partnerships for same-sex couples and abortion reforms under a Trzaskowski presidency, or a potential hardline stance on EU integration and Ukraine relations under Nawrocki's rule.
Despite numerous scandals that emerged in the final stretch of the campaign, provincial voters in Kleszczow appear inclined towards the Eurosceptic, nationalist candidate, Nawrocki, expressing concerns about immigration and the country's affairs.
