Poles are casting their votes today in a presidential election that could reshape the country’s path at home and abroad. With President Andrzej Duda wrapping up his second and final term, voters are now faced with a defining choice between candidates who want to pull away from the EU and those who favor closer ties with Brussels. If no one wins outright in today’s first round, a runoff is set for June 1.
Over 29 million people are eligible to vote in what’s turning out to be a tightly contested race among 13 candidates. But the spotlight has settled on three frontrunners, each with a sharply different vision for Poland’s future.
Leading the charge is Warsaw’s mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski, backed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-EU Civic Coalition. Trzaskowski, who narrowly lost to Duda five years ago, is hoping for a comeback. Known for his support of judicial reform and European integration, he also stands out as the most Ukraine-friendly candidate. Still, he’s taking a tougher stance this time around, promising to cut back certain social benefits for Ukrainian refugees—a sign he’s attuned to shifting public sentiment.
Second in the polls is Karol Nawrocki, riding the conservative wave with the support of the nationalist Law and Justice party. He’s made his name by railing against what he calls “leftist ideologies,” and he’s taken a hard line on EU climate and migration policies. Nawrocki rejects Ukraine’s hopes of joining the EU or NATO and opposes financial aid for refugees, though he remains in favor of military support to Kyiv.
Then there’s Slawomir Mentzen, the rising star of the right-wing Confederation party, who’s found a strong base on social media—especially TikTok. His sharp criticisms of EU green mandates and refugee policies resonate with younger, more libertarian voters. He argues that Brussels is overreaching and that Poland must reclaim its sovereignty.
One issue that’s cutting through all the campaigns? Ukraine. Once broadly welcomed, Ukrainian refugees are now at the center of a growing debate. Media reports show public opinion is shifting fast, with more Poles voicing frustration and calling for repatriation. Each of the top candidates is tapping into that mood in different ways, turning refugee policy into one of the hottest topics on the trail.
Voting wraps up at 9 p.m. local time tonight, with exit polls expected shortly after. The official results should roll in on Monday, but regardless of who takes the lead, one thing’s clear: Poland’s political compass is about to swing—just how far remains to be seen.
