At 50.9% to 49.1%, Trump-Supported Candidate in Poland Becomes a Figurehead.

At 50.9% to 49.1%, Trump-Supported Candidate in Poland Becomes a Figurehead.

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In a recently conducted election on June 1, 2025, Poland’s presidential race saw Karol Nawrocki, 42, a nationalist backed by Donald Trump, narrowly defeat Rafał Trzaskowski, 53, the centrist mayor of Warsaw.

The final result was 50.9% to 49.1%, giving Nawrocki a narrow victory.

However, despite winning, Nawrocki lacks full governing authority, making him largely a figurehead president.

Unlike the U.S. president, Poland’s president has limited power over legislation.

Real governance lies with the prime minister and parliament, meaning Donald Tusk’s coalition can push through policies despite Nawrocki’s objections.

Under the Polish Constitution, Nawrocki can veto laws, appoint the central bank governor, and command the armed forces, but parliament – controlled by Tusk’s party – can override his veto with a three-fifths majority vote.

This allows Nawrocki to delay reforms, particularly those concerning EU relations and judicial independence, but he cannot fully block them.

While Nawrocki’s win amplifies the nationalist-conservative opposition, it does not give them control of the government.

His presidency may complicate Poland’s EU relations, but Tusk’s government remains in charge of policymaking.

With low voter turnout and a narrow victory, Nawrocki enters office with limited power, while Tusk’s party moves forward with its pro-European agenda.

Some argue that Trump’s endorsement of Nawrocki may have contributed to the low voter turnout, indirectly paving the way for a figurehead president with limited authority.

Some political observers conclude that this election, with a narrow margin of 50.9% to 49.1%, showcases growing support for liberalism in Europe, reinforcing the European coalition’s commitment to defending itself, even as the U.S. under Trump provides less support or input.

As political analysts suggest, Nawrocki’s nationalist stance and skepticism toward EU policies may strain Poland’s relationship with Brussels.

His alignment with Trump suggests a shift away from EU cooperation, favoring sovereignty over integration, which could leave Ukraine more vulnerable to a lack of assistance.

However, Nawrocki’s limited authority means Donald Tusk’s government will continue shaping Poland’s policies, ensuring Poland maintains its support for the EU under Tusk’s leadership in parliament.

Image / Donald Tusk meeting with the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Keir Starmer, before the European Political Community Summit / Instagram