Poland’s new president sworn in, signalling years of political confrontation

Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian whose views align with those promoted by Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, was sworn in as Poland’s president this week, signaling likely clashes with the pro-EU centrist government and a possible cooling of ties with Ukraine.

Backed by the same nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party which catapulted Andrzej Duda to the seat of the presidency in 2015 where he remained for 10 years, the Polish TVP World points out that Nawrocki’s victory dealt a setback to Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s efforts to cement Poland’s pro-EU direction and left his government struggling in the polls.

Observers expect a continuation of the political gridlock seen under outgoing nationalist President Duda, as Nawrocki can wield veto powers to block reforms, including Tusk’s push to reverse PiS judicial changes that critics say weakened court independence

Nawrocki is also expected to challenge the government with popular but costly proposals such as tax cuts, straining an already tight budget. “As prime minister, I have so far worked with three presidents,” Tusk, who also held the office from 2007 to 2014 before becoming the President of the European Council, wrote on X. “What will it be like with the fourth? We’ll manage.”

On different fronts regarding Ukraine

While Tusk advocates for a stronger EU role in defense alongside NATO, Nawrocki and PiS argue this could harm Poland’s partnership with the US “The United States is undoubtedly our priority partner,” said his spokesman Rafal Leskiewicz.

Nawrocki has also stated he does not currently support Ukraine joining NATO or the EU—a sharp departure from Duda’s position. As president, he would have to approve Poland’s ratification of any NATO membership expansion.

Nawrocki’s campaign was marred by controversy, including allegations he failed to provide promised care to an elderly man from whom he acquired property—claims he denies—and his admission of participating in a football hooligan fight, bolstering his tough-guy persona as an amateur boxer.

Supporters of defeated liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski lodged thousands of protests over voting irregularities, though the Supreme Court found they did not affect the outcome. PiS has accused liberals of undermining democracy, and its supporters planned to march in Warsaw for the inauguration.

By Nazrin Sadigova