Nawrocki narrowly defeated the government-backed candidate, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, in a runoff vote seen as a referendum on Poland’s direction. His win represents a resurgence of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, which lost parliamentary control in 2023 but remains influential nationwide.

The new president, 53, told lawmakers he would resist any law “that destroys Polish identity or undermines our independence.” His rhetoric echoed PiS's hardline stances on issues such as judicial reform, media regulation, and immigration—all of which have brought Poland into conflict with the European Union in recent years.

Though the presidency in Poland is largely ceremonial, it holds veto power and can stall legislation. With Nawrocki now in office, Tusk’s coalition may find it difficult to pass key reforms without a supermajority.

EU Relations And Internal Reform In Question

European officials reacted cautiously to Nawrocki’s inauguration, noting the potential for renewed tension between Warsaw and Brussels. Tusk’s coalition has prioritized restoring ties with the EU, reversing controversial judicial changes, and unlocking billions in frozen EU funds. However, Nawrocki could obstruct many of these efforts if he aligns with PiS’s nationalist agenda.

Critics fear his presidency will reinforce political polarization and embolden right-wing opposition campaigns against civil rights and liberal reforms. PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski celebrated the result, calling it “a victory for Polish sovereignty.”

In his inaugural address, Nawrocki said he would “stand guard over the Constitution” and insisted that Poland must not “become a colony of Brussels.” The coming months are expected to test the limits of executive power in Poland’s semi-presidential system as the president and prime minister navigate a fragile balance of power.