Trump-inspired candidate Karol Nawrocki wins Poland's presidential election

Sky News

3 days ago

Conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, who draws inspiration from Donald Trump, has won Poland's presidential election.
Mr Nawrocki secured 50.89% of votes while his opponent, Liberal pro-EU candidate Rafal Trzaskowski, took 49.11%.
Earlier, an exit poll called the result the other way around - with both men declaring victory.
Mr Nawrocki had positioned himself as a defender of traditional Polish values, aligning himself with US conservatives, including Mr Trump, and showing scepticism towards the EU.
Meanwhile, Mr Trzaskowski, 53, had promised to ease abortion restrictions, introduce civil partnerships for LGBT couples and promote constructive ties with European partners.
The vote has been closely watched in neighbouring Ukraine as well as in Russia, the European Union and the United States - and the final outcome will decide whether Poland pivots towards more liberal norms or takes a more nationalist path.
This vote shows how democratic decisions can come down to slight margins
Adam Parsons
Europe correspondent
@adamparsons
The Polish election is not short of interest.
The turnout may well be the highest ever for a presidential election and it's been followed keenly around the world.
The political views of the candidates are - and apologies for the terrible pun - poles apart.
One is desperate for closer ties with Europe, greater reforms domestically and keen to extend the hand of friendship to Ukraine.
The other is determined to rein in the Polish prime minister's programme of change, grow closer ties with America and stop Ukraine joining the EU.
And there is very little between them.
Two exit polls predicted a result too close to call.
It's also a good demonstration of how big democratic decisions can come down to slight margins.
In a country with more than 28 million voters, this election could be decided by a difference of fewer than 100,000.
A final result won't come until Monday - possible into the afternoon.
Normally, by that point, we know who's going to win and one candidate has already claimed victory.
So far, we don't know the outcome, and both candidates have claimed victory.
This one will be tight.
Poland's new president will have significant influence over whether the country's centrist government can fulfil its agenda, given the presidential power to veto laws.
Poland's new president will have significant influence over whether the country's centrist government can fulfil its agenda, given the presidential power to veto laws.
This runoff follows a tightly-contested first round of voting in May, which saw Mr Trzaskowski win just over 31% and Mr Nawrocki nearly 30%, eliminating 11 other candidates.