Trump ally wins presidential election in Poland: 6 things to know
by Sarah Fortinsky
Poland elected a conservative nationalist, Karol Nawrocki, to lead the country as its next president, in an election that could have broad implications for the future of Europe
Nawrocki is set to take office Aug. 6.
Here’s what to know about the election:
Visit with Donald Trump last month
President Trump hosted Nawrocki at the White House last month, in a sign of support shortly before the election. The two men posed for photos, shaking hands and giving a thumbs-up gesture in the Oval Office.
Nawrocki told the Polish TV station TV Republika that Trump told him, “you will win,” Reuters reported.
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“I read it as a kind of wish for my success in the upcoming elections, and also awareness of it, and after this whole day, I can say that the American administration is aware of what is happening in Poland,” Nawrocki added at the time.
The interview came after Nawrocki attended the National Day of Prayer at the White House.
CPAC endorsement
The Trump administration has signaled its support for the right-wing candidate in other ways.
When the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) hosted its first meeting in Poland last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave a clear endorsement of the conservative candidate.
“I just had the opportunity to meet with Karol, and listen: He needs to be the next president of Poland. Do you understand me?” she said at the start of her speech.
“We need you to elect the right leader,” Noem added. “You will be the leaders that will turn Europe back to conservative values.”
She also seemed to imply Nawrocki’s election would strengthen the country’s relationship with the U.S.
“If you [elect] a leader that will work with President Donald J. Trump, the Polish people will have an ally strong that will ensure that you will be able to fight off enemies that do not share your values,” Noem said.
“You will have strong borders and protect your communities and keep them safe, and ensure that your citizens are respected every single day,” she added. “You will continue to have a U.S. presence here, a military presence. And you will have equipment that is American-made, that is high-quality.”
No political experience
Nawrocki, 42, is a conservative historian with no previous political experience.
He narrowly defeated the liberal candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, netting 50.89 percent of the vote.
Rising conservative populism
The victory is seen as a sign of the enduring appeal of right-wing populism and nationalist rhetoric in Europe.
Nawrocki built his campaign on a patriotic message, espousing traditional Catholic values and vowing to defend Poland’s sovereignty from Germany and other larger European nations.
“Poland remains a deeply divided country,” Jacek Kucharczyk, the president of the Polish Institute of Public Affairs, told The Associated Press.
“Although the electoral turnout was highest ever in history of presidential elections, Mr. Nawrocki’s margin of victory is very small, which means that half of Poland will be cheering his presidency, whereas half of Poland, the other half, remains deeply worried or even disturbed,” Kucharczyk added.
Implications for Ukraine
The election could have implications for the country’s relationship with Ukraine.
Nawrocki has signaled support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia, but he opposes Ukraine’s membership in NATO and has echoed some of the Trump administration’s rhetoric in his approach to the country.
He has questioned the long-term cost of aid to the country, in particular its refugees, and has suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not sufficiently grateful for Poland’s support.
Setback for EU
The election marks a setback for the European Union, as Nawrocki embraces nationalist ideology and criticizes “overreach” by the EU into Poland’s internal affairs, including its policies concerning judicial reforms and migration.
“This is very bad news for the European Union as well as Poland’s key European partners, both Germany and France as well as Ukraine,” Kucharczyk said.
“Mr. Nawrocki is well known for his Eurosceptic stand. He’s opposed to deepening European integration and European cooperation. He is also opposed to Ukraine’s NATO membership,” he added.
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