Conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki has been elected President of Poland after a closely contested runoff, narrowly defeating liberal challenger Rafal Trzaskowski.

His victory is expected to create friction with the pro-EU government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Key Points:

• Karol Nawrocki won the Polish presidential election with 50.89% of the vote against Rafal Trzaskowski's 49.11%.
• Backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, Nawrocki is a conservative historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance.
• He was endorsed by international right-wing leaders including Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán.
• Nawrocki’s victory may lead to political standoffs with PM Tusk’s liberal, pro-European Union administration.
• He is scheduled to take office on August 6, 2025, potentially altering Poland’s domestic and EU policy trajectory.