Thousands participate in rival marches ahead of critical presidential election in Poland.
Tens of thousands of citizens converged on the streets of Warsaw in a remarkable display of democratic engagement ahead of the highly anticipated Polish presidential run-off set for next weekend. This election is viewed by many as pivotal in reaffirming Poland’s commitment to pro-European democratic reforms, amidst a backdrop of vigorous political contention.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who returned to power in 2023 backed by a coalition of leftist and centrist parties, is fervently rallying support for his candidate, liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Trzaskowski aims to succeed the outgoing President Andrzej Duda, who has been criticized for vetoing numerous reform initiatives proposed by Tusk’s administration, particularly those aimed at revitalizing the judiciary and enhancing minority and women’s rights.
Trzaskowski, addressing a crowd that waved Polish and European Union flags, emphasized the global scrutiny surrounding the elections. He stated, “All of Poland is looking at us. All of Europe is looking at us. The whole world is looking at us,” underscoring the election’s significance not only for Poland but also for broader European stability.
The first round of voting on May 18 concluded with Trzaskowski narrowly defeating his nationalist counterpart, Karol Nawrocki, by a margin of just two percentage points. As the run-off approaches, recent opinion polls indicate a neck-and-neck race, with both candidates projected to secure approximately 47 percent of the vote each.
Nawrocki’s supporters, characterized by nationalistic fervor and alignment with policies that reflect a populist agenda, gathered in another part of the capital. Their rally was indicative of a segment of the Polish electorate that seeks closer ties with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and an alliance with other regional populist leaders.
Amidst the passionate discourse, Nawrocki claimed to be the advocate for citizens whose voices have been overlooked, emphasizing a desire to preserve Poland’s values and sovereignty. With an estimated 50,000 attending his gathering and around 140,000 taking part in Trzaskowski’s march, the stark contrast in participation reflects the diverse political landscape in Poland.
At the pro-Trzaskowski event, newly elected Romanian President Nicusor Dan expressed his commitment to a collaborative future with Poland, enhancing the ties between nations that seek to uphold democratic principles and stability in Europe. His electoral success over a right-wing opponent was warmly welcomed in Brussels and beyond, as it signals a potential recommitment to progressive policies in Eastern Europe.
As the nation prepares for a decisive electoral moment, the unfolding political drama signifies Poland’s critical trajectory toward embracing reform and democratic ideals, resonating with both regional and global audiences.
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