Record Voter Turnout in German Polling Stations: Polish Election Energizes Many Germans of Polish Descent
Political occasions inspire numerous Poles living in Germany to exercise their voting rights, demonstrating their civic engagement abroad.
In a striking show of civic engagement, over 115,000 individuals of Polish descent residing in Germany have registered to cast their votes for the Polish presidential election – an unprecedented surge compared to the 2020 results. These registered voters will have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right at one of 54 assigned polling stations across the country.
This election has sparked an unprecedented level of interest in the Polish community, with registrations significantly outpacing the 70,000 votes cast in 2020. It is estimated that approximately two million individuals with Polish roots live in Germany, of which around 865,000 are eligible voters. They are unable to vote by mail; instead, they must pre-register via a website or in person at a Polish consulate.
A Pivotal Decision
Polish citizens abroad are faced with a critical choice: either the pro-European, liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, or the nationalist EU skeptic Karol Nawrocki. In the latest polls, Trzaskowski leads narrowly with 47.4%, while Nawrocki, supported by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, trails closely behind at 46.3%.
As the next president, the incumbent will discharge various significant duties: as commander-in-chief of the Polish military, the mastermind of foreign policy, and possessing the power to introduce or veto bills. A victory for Trzaskowski would likely strengthen the liberal-conservative Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his economic reforms. Alternatively, a Nawrocki triumph could herald a continuation of obstructionist tactics, with the departing president Andrzej Duda frequently exercising his veto power. Moreover, Nawrocki may potentially question Poland’s staunch support for Ukraine.
The polls will close at 9 PM, and an exit poll is expected to follow shortly thereafter. The official results are projected to be announced on Monday.
Source: ntv.de, chr/AFP
- Elections
- Polish Expat Voting
- Donald Tusk
Roots Lie Deep:
Polish expats in Germany and elsewhere made a profound impact in the 2025 election with over 695,000 votes cast abroad (though data from the most recent 2023 election is unavailable). Trzaskowski enjoys wide-spread support among Polish voters in Germany and the UK.
Reasons for Increased Engagement Compared to Earlier Elections:
- Heightened Political Stakes: The election presented a polarized race between the conservative PiS candidate, Karol Nawrocki, and the liberal Warsaw Mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski. The political discord and decisive implications for Poland’s trajectory, particularly regarding European integration and relations with Ukraine and Russia, fueled enthusiasm among the expat community.
- Shaping Poland's Future: With ongoing debates on the rule of law, women's rights, democratic standards, and the impact of the Ukrainian conflict on Poland's security, many expats perceived the election as a pivotal opportunity to influence Poland's course.
- Intensified Civil Mobilization: The increased efforts by Polish diaspora organizations and civil society groups helped facilitate a surge in registration and turnout.
- Social and Digital Campaigns: A greater focus on online campaigns and outreach through social media platforms simplified the registration process and raised awareness among the diaspora.
- A Pattern Emerges: Diaspora voting trends were noted as significant, particularly in certain countries, with Trzaskowski's popularity in Germany indicating a preference for progressive policies and European integration among the Polish expat community.
These factors combined amplify the influence of Polish expats on the election outcome, as the election presents a significant crossroad for Poland's political landscape.
The Commission, amidst the intense political climate and general news, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks arising from the use of electronic equipment, given the increased engagement of individuals – in this case, Polish expats – in political processes.
The heightened political stakes in the Polish election,coupled with the significance of diaspora voting trends, mirror the current advocacy efforts aimed at safeguarding workers from potential health risks associated with the use of electronic equipment, underscoring the need for policies that prioritize the welfare of workers in an increasingly digital world.
