****

**WARSAW, Poland** – Karol Nawrocki, a conservative candidate, has clinched the Polish presidential runoff election with 50.89% of the vote, triumphing over liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%. This close contest has showcased the sharp divisions within Poland, a country situated on the eastern edge of NATO and the European Union.

Initial exit polls on Sunday evening had suggested a lead for Trzaskowski, only to see the trend reversed as more votes were counted. Nawrocki's victory signals a probable shift toward a more populist and nationalist trajectory for Poland, bolstered by the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In Poland's political landscape, while much day-to-day power is vested in the prime minister, the president holds significant sway over foreign policy and legislative matters. Nawrocki is set to succeed Andrzej Duda, whose final term concludes on August 6. Notably, under the Polish constitution, the presidential term lasts for five years and allows for one re-election.

Karol Nawrocki, a 42-year-old amateur boxer and historian, previously led the Institute of National Remembrance. Known for promoting nationalist historical narratives, Nawrocki attracted both support and controversy. He has undertaken efforts to remove Soviet-era monuments, an action that has led to his placement on a Russian wanted list.

Nawrocki’s campaign rhetoric resonated with many right-wing voters, focusing on traditional values and opposing secular trends such as LGBTQ+ visibility. His candidacy was also marked by allegations of past connections to criminal figures and involvement in a street brawl—accusations he dismisses as politically motivated.

Trump's administration actively supported Nawrocki, with a recent White House visit and endorsements from Kristi Noem, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, underscoring this alignment. The campaign also saw Nawrocki promising to continue supporting Ukraine while being critical of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing Ukrainian refugees of exploiting Polish resources.

The election result raises implications for Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s coalition government, which has struggled with fulfilling certain promises due to existing presidential vetoes. With Nawrocki's win, the possibility of executing changes, especially those critiqued by the EU as undemocratic, seems even more distant. The focus now shifts to how this new leadership will steer Poland's future policies and international stance.