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Shakeel Sobhan
Published May 18, 2025last updated May 18, 2025The election will decide if Donald Tusk’s government can implement its reforms, which have been stymied by conservative President Andrzej Duda since the government was elected about 18 months ago. DW has more.
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The election comes amid a tussle between the Polish prime minister and the outgoing president, who has vetoed many of the Tusk government’s policy reformsImage: Omar Marques/Getty ImagesSkip next section What you need to knowWhat you need to know Poles began voting to elect a new president The top two front-runners in the presidential election are Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki Trzaskowski has pledged to support abortion rights and LGBTQ protections, while Nawrocki presents himself as a defender of conservative values and national sovereignty Here’s a roundup of the latest developments in Poland’s presidential election on Sunday, May 18.
Skip next section Tusk government anxious ahead of Poland’s presidential voteMay 18, 2025
Tusk government anxious ahead of Poland’s presidential voteSunday’s voting in Poland is not just about whether Rafal Trzaskowski, of the center-right Civic Platform, or the national-conservative Karol Nawrocki, the two front-runners, will become Poland’s next president.
There is much more at stake in this election.
The outcome of the presidential election will determine whether the pro-European, center-left government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk can take forward its plans, which have been stymied by President Andrzej Duda since the government was elected about 18 months ago.
Read more here: Tusk government anxious ahead of Poland’s presidential vote
What’s at stake in Poland’s presidential election?To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
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Skip next section Poles vote in pivotal presidential electionMay 18, 2025
Poles vote in pivotal presidential electionVoting began in Poland on Sunday in a high-stakes presidential election that will shape the country’s political future and decide its stance on abortion, LGBTQ rights, and relations with the European Union.
The polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0500GMT) and close at 9 p.m. (1900GMT), with exit poll results to be only available after the voting has ended.
Results are expected to be in by Monday or Tuesday.
The front-runners are pro-EU Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, backed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist Civic Coalition, and nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki, supported by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Polls show Trzaskowski leading with around 30% support, followed by Nawrocki in the mid-20s, making a June 1 runoff between the two likely.
The top two front-runners are Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol NawrockiImage: Aleksander Kalka/NurPhoto/dpa/picture alliance Trzaskowski has pledged to support abortion rights and LGBTQ protections, while Nawrocki presents himself as a defender of conservative values and national sovereignty.
US President Donald Trump recently met Nawrocki in the White House showing his support.
The polls come amid a tussle between the Polish prime minister and the outgoing, conservative President Andrzej Duda, who has vetoed many of the Tusk government’s attempts at policy reform.
A Trzaskowski win would likely ease that gridlock, while a Nawrocki presidency could stall the coalition’s agenda.
There is also a chance that far-right candidate Sławomir Mentzen, campaigning on anti-immigration, anti-EU rhetoric, could play the kingmaker in the second round.
The other candidates in the fray are Parliament Speaker Szymon Holownia of the centre-right Poland 2050 and Magdalena Biejat from the Left.
https://p.dw.com/p/4uXG9
Skip next section Welcome to our coverageMay 18, 2025
Welcome to our coverageVoting began in Poland on Sunday in a tight presidential election that will shape the country’s political future.
The front-runners are pro-EU Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki.
DW will bring you the latest news, analysis and insights from our reporters and correspondents regarding the presidential election in Poland. Stay tuned for more.
https://p.dw.com/p/4uXCM
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