The European Policy Centre invites
you to this online Elections Monitor
to discuss the outcome and
implications of the presidential election in Poland. On 1 June, Warsaw Mayor
Rafał Trzaskowski, who narrowly took the lead with 31.3% of the vote in the
first round on 18 May, is facing Krzysztof Nawrocki, the candidate supported by
the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, who secured 29.5%. The first round
also saw a strong showing by far-right forces.
In 2023, Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition ended PiS’
eight-year rule, promising to roll back its illiberal judicial reforms.
However, outgoing President Andrzej Duda - a PiS ally - has repeatedly blocked
a full return to the rule of law through his veto powers.
The presidential election will determine whether centrist
forces in Poland can continue with their democratic agenda and a pro-European
path, or whether PiS will retain its capacity to block or influence the
political agenda ahead of the next legislative elections in 2027.
What impact will the election have on democracy, the rule
of law and civil rights? How will the election result affect Poland's role
within the EU and NATO? How will Russian security threats be addressed, while
managing public support for Ukraine?
Participation is open to
EPC members only, the media, and EU officials