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Poland's Presidential Race Tightens as Election Day Approaches

Rafał Trzaskowski maintains a lead in polls over Karol Nawrocki, who faces mounting allegations, as voters prepare for the May 18 election.

This combination of photos shows Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, left, in Warsaw, Poland, on March 14, 2022 and Karol Nawrocki in Szeligi near Warsaw, Poland, on March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)
This combination of photos shows Slawomir Mentzen, left, in Katowice, Poland, on Sept. 23, 2023 and Szymon Holownia in Warsaw, Poland, on Nov. , 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)
Civic Coalition presidential candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and his wife Malgorzata gesture during an election rally in Plock, Poland, May 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel
Civic Coalition presidential candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski speaks during an election rally in Plock, Poland, May 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/File Photo

Overview

  • Poland's first round of the presidential election is set for May 18, with a potential run-off on June 1 if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote.
  • Liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski leads the race with 31.5% support, ahead of conservative historian Karol Nawrocki at 23.6%, according to IBRIS polling.
  • Nawrocki's campaign has been marred by allegations that he improperly acquired an apartment from a vulnerable pensioner, a controversy dominating recent debates.
  • Both leading candidates emphasize national security, with voluntary military training and pledges to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP central to their platforms.
  • The election's outcome will shape Prime Minister Donald Tusk's ability to advance his pro-EU reform agenda, currently hindered by President Andrzej Duda's veto power.