The European Policy Centre invites you to this online Elections Monitor to discuss the outcome and implications of the presidential election in Poland. On 1 June, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who narrowly took the lead with 31.3% of the vote in the first round on 18 May, is facing Krzysztof Nawrocki, the candidate supported by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, who secured 29.5%. The first round also saw a strong showing by far-right forces.

In 2023, Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition ended PiS’ eight-year rule, promising to roll back its illiberal judicial reforms. However, outgoing President Andrzej Duda - a PiS ally - has repeatedly blocked a full return to the rule of law through his veto powers.

The presidential election will determine whether centrist forces in Poland can continue with their democratic agenda and a pro-European path, or whether PiS will retain its capacity to block or influence the political agenda ahead of the next legislative elections in 2027.

What impact will the election have on democracy, the rule of law and civil rights? How will the election result affect Poland's role within the EU and NATO? How will Russian security threats be addressed, while managing public support for Ukraine?

Participation is open to EPC members only, the media, and EU officials