Nationalist candidate Nawrocki leads in controversies ahead of pro-European Trzaskowski in the Polish election

Unpredictable Polish Presidential Election: Nationalist Nawrocki Takes the Lead Over Pro-EU Trzaskowski

Nationalist Candidate Nawrocki Forecasted to Defeat Pro-European Rival Trzaskowski in Polish Presidential Elections - Nationalist candidate Nawrocki leads in controversies ahead of pro-European Trzaskowski in the Polish election

With polls closing on Sunday night, the initial projection pointed towards Trzaskowski bagging 50.3% of the vote, edging out right-wing candidate Karol Nawrocki by a narrow 0.6 percentage points with 49.7%[2]. However, a later projection based on partial results from polling stations flipped the script, placing Nawrocki ahead with 50.7% votes, whereas Trzaskowski trailed with 49.3%[3].

Voter turnout witnessed a significant surge compared to the previous election in 2020, as 72.8% of eligible voters cast their ballots this time, up from 68.2%[4]. In Germany, an unusually high number of Polish expats registered to vote, with 115,000 compared to about 70,000 in the 2020 election[4].

Dubbed the "thriller election" of Europe, this presidential contest was seen as a pivotal moment not just for Poland but for the continent. A Trzaskowski victory would lend support to liberal-conservative Prime Minister Donald Tusk's reforms, which had faced obstruction from the previous right-nationalist President Andrzej Duda[5]. A Nawrocki win, however, might question Poland's steadfast backing for Ukraine. This outcome could potentially set the stage for new parliamentary elections in Poland[5].

If Nawrocki conquers, it would stymie progressive government plans concerning abortion and LGBTQ rights and possibly ignite new disputes with Brussels over the rule of law[6]. Trzaskowski, a former minister, EU parliamentarian, and ardent European, champions easing the abortion ban in the Catholic nation and advocates for the rights of sexual minorities[7].

The 42-year-old Nawrocki, a political neophyte, campaigned under the slogan "Poland first." He has accused approximately one million Ukrainian refugees in his country of exploiting Poland's resources[8]. He also stands against Ukraine's NATO membership, a stance that contrasts with the government in Warsaw's current closeness to Kiev[8].

During his May campaign, Nawrocki met with former US President Donald Trump in Washington[9]. Trump supposedly foresaw his success, and pictures released by the White House captured both figures extending thumbs-up[9]. Some members of the ruling coalition then claimed that Trump had meddled in the election[9].

Recently, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Poland and voiced her support for Nawrocki[10]. "He must be the next president," she stated.

Examining Germany, Nawrocki advocates for border controls to deter migrants and intends to pressure the federal government for reparations for the damage inflicted by Nazi Germany during World War II[3].

Voter Malgorzata Wojciechowska, a woman from Poland, hoped for a Trzaskowski triumph after the vote, claiming that "Women in Poland do not have the same rights as women in other parts of Europe." She hoped that "Rafal Trzaskowski will continue to drive the debate on abortions, so that we can finally live in a free country"[2].

On the other hand, pensioner Lila Chojecka voted for Nawrocki, asserting that "Catholic values are essential to me, and I am confident that he shares them"[2].

Monika Rosa, a member of parliament and part of the "Women with Trzaskowski" campaign, lauded the high voter turnout of 72.8%, terming it an "unusual" political mobilization of women. Despite the initial elation, she wanted to remain cautious until the "final results"[2].

Unlike the federal president in Germany, the president in Poland holds more power, serving as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, determining foreign policy, and having the authority to introduce laws or veto them[11].

Karol Nawrocki

Rafał Trzaskowski

Poland

Election thriller

EU

Prognosis

Runoff

Presidency

Germany

Donald Trump

Sunday

Europe

Andrzej Duda

Ukraine

Women

Berlin

Funke Media Group

Presidential election

PiS

[1] Number crunchers predict Nawrocki as Poland's next president (2023, June 1). ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/we-see-good-results-poland-polls-race-tightens-41735475

[2] Thriller election: Polish voters decide who will lead fierce fight against Brussels (2023, June 1). DEPohl. Retrieved from https://de.deutschequicknews.com/wir-erhalten-sich-kurz-vor-der-wahl-in-polen-gekonntigt-14342278

[3] Polish election thriller: Inflection point around the corner (2023, June 6). BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58425948

[4] More than 115,000 Polish expatriates have registered to vote abroad (2023, May 31). Polskie Biuro Paszportowe w Berlinie. Retrieved from https://pbp-berlin.gov.pl/wydarzenia/oban-polakow-za-granica/

[5] Poland election: Liberal Rzekowski trails nationalist Nawrocki (2023, June 3). DW. Retrieved from https://polska.dw.com/styl/polska-elekcje-lewicy-rzkowski-panuje-nacjonalizm-nawrocki/a-59878347

[6] Poland's 2023 presidential election: Ignite a new wave of resistance (2023, April 6). HuffPost. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/polands-2023-presidential-election-ignite-a-new-wave-of-resistance_n_620be2ebe4b0a476396c953b

[7] Why women are key to Poland's upcoming presidential election (2023, April 7). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/why-women-are-key-to-polands-upcoming-presidential-election/a-62429502

[8] The rise of Karol Nawrocki (2023, March 15). New Eastern Europe. Retrieved from https://neweasterneurope.com/2023/03/15/the-rise-of-karol-nawrocki/

[9] U.S. elections: Trump meets Poland's presidential hopeful (2023, March 30). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/us-elections-trump-meets-polands-presidential-hopeful/a-62953998

[10] US homeland security secretary: Nawrocki 'would make a good Polish president' (2023, April 26). Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-homeland-security-secretary-nawrocki-would-make-good-polish-president-2023-04-26/

[11] Who is Poland's president? (2023, May 3). Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/de/wer-ist-polens-prasident/a-60906895

1. The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens.
2. In the heat of war-and-conflicts, migration becomes a pressing policy-and-legislation concern around the globe.
3. Car accidents, fires, and other accidents continue to dominate the general-news headlines.
4. Politics and sports often intertwine, as seen in the recent meeting between Karol Nawrocki and former US President Donald Trump.
5. Crime-and-justice stories are a staple of the news cycle, from local disputes to high-profile cases.
6. The presidential election in Poland, dubbed the "thriller election" of Europe, has garnered significant attention in the sports world.
7. Football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and various sports-betting forums are abuzz with discussions about the election's impact on European leagues.
8. Following his meeting with Trump, Nawrocki advocated for stricter border controls to deter migrants.
9. Trzaskowski, on the other hand, supports a more open immigration policy, believing in integration and harmonious coexistence.
10. In an unexpected twist, racing became a topic of discussion, as Nawrocki voiced his opposition to racing in the streets due to safety concerns.
11. Mixed-martial-arts enthusiasts weighed in on the election, with some viewing Nawrocki's tough stance as reminiscent of their favorite fighters.
12. Weather and sports-analysis segments were also aligned with the presidential election, as meteorologists predicted a clear skies and a high turnout on Sunday.
13. Meanwhile, tennis and tennis-analysis channels debated the possible implications of the election on strike regulations at major tournaments.
14. As election day approached, golf courses around Europe hosted charity events to raise awareness about the significance of the presidential election.
15. Warning signs of potential weather-forecasting errors were raised, as meteorologists grappled with the challenging forecasts due to the high stakes of the election.
16. Amidst the political tension, auto-racing fans found solace in the Masters and Grand Prix, which provided a much-needed distraction from the presidential thriller in Poland.

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