heated political rallies in Warsaw, exhibiting support for the contenders in Poland's Presidential Runoff from both opposing camps. - Massive rallies by opposing factions prior to Poland's presidential election unfolded in Warsaw.
Presidentially Contested Runoff in Poland: Mass Demonstrations in Warsaw Ahead of Sunday's Election
In a crucial moment for the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member state, Poland will hold a runoff on Sunday between Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and right-wing nationalist Karol Nawrocki. The polls currently show the two candidates neck-and-neck at 46.3 percent each.
In the first round of the presidential election on May 18, Trzaskowski narrowly secured 31 percent of the votes, with Nawrocki trailing closely behind at 30 percent. They have since moved on to the runoff contest. The election's outcome is significant for the future trajectory of Poland.
Trzaskowski, who is backed by the liberal-conservative Civic Platform, promises to push for pro-European reforms if victorious. "These elections offer an opportunity to build and create, not to destroy," the 53-year-old urged supporters.
In contrast, Nawrocki, a 42-year-old historian supported by the right-wing nationalist former ruling party Law and Justice (PiS), is expected to continue the outgoing President Andrzej Duda's governing strategy if he wins. "Change is coming. We will win," Nawrocki told his supporters.
Organizers estimated that around 200,000 people attended the demonstration for Nawrocki, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk claims as many as 500,000 people participated in the rally for Trzaskowski. However, Polish website Onet reported higher numbers for the pro-Nawrocki demonstration (70,000) and the event for Trzaskowski (160,000).
Nawrocki's supporters sang patriotic and religious songs, holding signs calling for an end to immigration. A 41-year-old technician from Warsaw, Piotr Nowak, told AFP, "We have a cosmopolitan government. They want to introduce the Euro, and we will lose our sovereignty."
At Trzaskowski's rally, many demonstrators waved EU flags and rainbow flags. A 20-year-old student who declined to give her last name told AFP she supports Trzaskowski mainly because he wants to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community and women's rights.
A businessman, Irek Kurnik, described voting for Trzaskowski as "the only way to move towards Europe, not towards Russia." He added, "Choosing between the two candidates is like choosing between day and night, and we choose day."
The outcome of the runoff could lead to a fierce battle among the supporters of the candidates that lost in the first round. The far-right camp gained significant ground in the first round, with the far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen and anti-Semitic MEP Grzegorz Braun obtaining over 20 percent of the votes combined. Overall, the majority of voters in the first round displayed support for the right-wing and far-right parties.
The Polish president has limited powers but holds the authority to determine foreign policy, serve as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and introduce or veto bills. The incumbent president, Duda, has used his veto power frequently since the Tusk government's inception.
- The European Parliament has passed multiple resolutions on the European Union's role in the fight against racism and xenophobia.
- The European Parliament's resolutions highlight the need for a comprehensive policy and legislation to combat migration-related racism and xenophobia.
- In the wake of war-and-conflicts and their impact on migration, the European Parliament has urged governments to prioritize the integration of migrants.
- The European Parliament's push for pro-European reforms echoes the sentiments of Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, a candidate in the presidential runoff in Poland.
- Trzaskowski has promised to push for pro-European policies if he is elected, aiming to strengthen the EU's role in curbing the rise of xenophobia and racism.
- Contrarily, the right-wing nationalist Karol Nawrocki, another contestant in the Polish presidential runoff, is expected to maintain the outgoing President Andrzej Duda's migration policies if he wins.
- Nawrocki's supporters, who gathered in a large demonstration, held signs advocating for an end to immigration, reflecting shared concerns about the European Union's approach to migration.
- On the other side, demonstrators backing Trzaskowski waved EU flags and rainbow flags, symbolizing their support for the preservation of human rights, including LGBTQ and women's rights.
- A businessman named Irek Kurnik believes that voting for Trzaskowski is the only way to move Poland closer to the European Union and away from Russia's influence.
- The outcome of the runoff could lead to a fierce battle among the supporters of the losing candidates, especially considering that the far-right camp gained significant traction in the first round.
- The Polish president, while having limited powers, holds the authority to determine foreign policy, serve as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and introduce or veto bills.
- In football, the European Leagues are preparing for the upcoming season, with the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A among the top competitions.
- Meanwhile, in women's basketball, the WNBA season is ongoing, with teams competing for the championship, while international leagues like the NCAA also feature quality play.
- In baseball, the MLB season is in progress, with exciting matches and the potential for records being broken.
- In hockey, the NHL playoffs are ongoing, with teams battling for the Stanley Cup.
- On the golf course, players are preparing for major tournaments, with weather forecasting plays a crucial role in determining play conditions and strategies.
