{"id":133736,"date":"2025-05-18T22:34:47","date_gmt":"2025-05-18T22:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/in-poland-the-pro-european-candidate-leads-in-the-first-round-of-voting\/"},"modified":"2025-05-18T22:34:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-18T22:34:49","slug":"in-poland-the-pro-european-candidate-leads-in-the-first-round-of-voting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/in-poland-the-pro-european-candidate-leads-in-the-first-round-of-voting\/","title":{"rendered":"In Poland, the pro-European candidate leads in the first round of voting."},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\">\n<figure class=\"article__media\">\n    <picture class=\"article__media\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/img.lemde.fr\/2025\/05\/18\/0\/0\/3529\/2353\/556\/0\/75\/0\/52b755f_ftp-import-images-1-hsafdatqoadh-2025-05-18t191543z-1815336317-rc2jkeann4mu-rtrmadp-3-poland-election.JPG 556w, https:\/\/img.lemde.fr\/2025\/05\/18\/0\/0\/3529\/2353\/600\/0\/75\/0\/52b755f_ftp-import-images-1-hsafdatqoadh-2025-05-18t191543z-1815336317-rc2jkeann4mu-rtrmadp-3-poland-election.JPG 600w, https:\/\/img.lemde.fr\/2025\/05\/18\/0\/0\/3529\/2353\/664\/0\/75\/0\/52b755f_ftp-import-images-1-hsafdatqoadh-2025-05-18t191543z-1815336317-rc2jkeann4mu-rtrmadp-3-poland-election.JPG 664w, https:\/\/img.lemde.fr\/2025\/05\/18\/0\/0\/3529\/2353\/700\/0\/75\/0\/52b755f_ftp-import-images-1-hsafdatqoadh-2025-05-18t191543z-1815336317-rc2jkeann4mu-rtrmadp-3-poland-election.JPG 700w, https:\/\/img.lemde.fr\/2025\/05\/18\/0\/0\/3529\/2353\/800\/0\/75\/0\/52b755f_ftp-import-images-1-hsafdatqoadh-2025-05-18t191543z-1815336317-rc2jkeann4mu-rtrmadp-3-poland-election.JPG 800w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 556px, 100vw\" alt=\"Le maire de Varsovie, Rafal Trzaskowski, \u00e0 Sandomierz, en Pologne, le 18 mai 2025.\" width=\"664\" height=\"443\"><\/source>\n    <\/picture>\n    <noscript><br \/>\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.lemde.fr\/2025\/05\/18\/0\/0\/3529\/2353\/664\/0\/75\/0\/52b755f_ftp-import-images-1-hsafdatqoadh-2025-05-18t191543z-1815336317-rc2jkeann4mu-rtrmadp-3-poland-election.JPG\" alt=\"The mayor of Warsaw, Rafal Trzaskowski, in Sandomierz, Poland, May 18, 2025.\"\/><br \/>\n    <\/noscript><figcaption class=\"article__legend\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The mayor of Warsaw, Rafal Trzaskowski, in Sandomierz, Poland, May 18, 2025.<br \/>\n        <span class=\"article__credit\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Kacper Pempel \/ Reuters<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">The pro-European candidate **Rafal Trzaskowski** emerged at the forefront in the first round of the **presidential election in Poland** held on May 18, 2025. This election is paramount for the future of the pro-European government in place. According to exit polls, Mr. Trzaskowski garnered **30.8%** of the vote, setting him up for a showdown against **Karol Nawrocki**, the nationalist candidate from the **Law and Justice (PIS)** party, who received **29.1%**. The second round will take place on **June 1**, with a high voter turnout of **66.8%** reported.<\/p>\n<section class=\"catcher catcher--favoris\">\n<div class=\"catcher__content\"><span class=\"catcher__title catcher__title--hide\">Read also |<\/span><span class=\"catcher__desc\"><br \/>\n    <span class=\"icon__premium\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Article reserved for our subscribers<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    In Poland, the liberals hope to complete their revolution during the presidential election<br \/>\n    <\/span> <\/div>\n<p>\n    <button class=\"lmd-btn-icon lmd-btn-icon--primary lmd-btn-icon--m js-lmd-dropdown-favorite-toggler\" aria-controls=\"lmd-dropdown-favorite\" aria-label=\"Lire plus tard\" aria-describedby=\"article-title-3422632\" data-article-id=\"3422632\" data-position=\"lire aussi\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.lemonde.fr\/international\/article\/2025\/05\/18\/en-pologne-les-liberaux-esperent-parachever-leur-revolution-lors-de-la-presidentielle_6606603_3210.html\" data-status=\"\"><br \/>\n    <span class=\"icon__favorites\"\/><br \/>\n    <span class=\"js-btn-icon-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Read later<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/button>\n    <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">This election is pivotal for the pro-European government and will have significant implications for critical issues, including the **abortion laws** and the rights of **sexual minorities**. The backdrop of this electoral contention is marked by ongoing crisis points in **Europe**, particularly the **war in Ukraine**, the rise of far-right politics, and changing relations with the **United States**.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\"><em>&#8220;This result shows how strong we have to be, how determined we need to,&#8221;<\/em> said Mr. Trzaskowski, celebrating in a stadium in **Sandomierz**, a historic city in eastern Poland. In his victory speech, nationalist candidate Nawrocki expressed gratitude to his supporters, emphasizing that a victory in the second round would help prevent the ruling coalition from monopolizing power in the nation.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article__sub-title\">The Election Landscape<\/h2>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">Since 2023, when the coalition led by former European leader **Donald Tusk** took power, various essential government initiatives have faced considerable roadblocks primarily due to the veto powers held by the outgoing conservative president, **Andrzej Duda**.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">International relations have dominated this election cycle, particularly the ongoing negotiation concerning Poland\u2019s place within the **European Union** and its alliance with the **United States**. These discussions have emphasized a divide between two opposing visions for Poland&#8217;s future in global politics.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">On social issues, Trzaskowski has committed to supporting **abortion rights** in a country known for its extremely restrictive laws, while also standing firm on the rights of the **LGBT+ community**. In stark contrast, the PIS party, backing Nawrocki, has historically maintained a confrontational stance towards Poland\u2019s Western allies, particularly regarding adherence to the **rule of law**.<\/p>\n<section class=\"catcher catcher--favoris\">\n<div class=\"catcher__content\"><span class=\"catcher__title catcher__title--hide\">Read also |<\/span><span class=\"catcher__desc\"><br \/>\n    <span class=\"icon__premium\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Article reserved for our subscribers<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    In Poland, an end of presidential campaign in the shade of Donald Trump<br \/>\n    <\/span> <\/div>\n<p>\n    <button class=\"lmd-btn-icon lmd-btn-icon--primary lmd-btn-icon--m js-lmd-dropdown-favorite-toggler\" aria-controls=\"lmd-dropdown-favorite\" aria-label=\"Lire plus tard\" aria-describedby=\"article-title-3422631\" data-article-id=\"3422631\" data-position=\"lire aussi\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.lemonde.fr\/international\/article\/2025\/05\/16\/en-pologne-une-fin-de-campagne-presidentielle-a-l-ombre-de-donald-trump_6606441_3210.html\" data-status=\"\"><br \/>\n    <span class=\"icon__favorites\"\/><br \/>\n    <span class=\"js-btn-icon-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Read later<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/button>\n    <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">The overall outcome of this election hinges significantly on the votes of supporters from **Slawomir Mentzen**, a far-right candidate who placed third with approximately **15.4%** of the vote. Advocating libertarian, **Eurosceptic** views, Mentzen stands firmly against both **abortion** and the presence of **migrants**, notably criticizing **Ukrainian refugees** who number around **one million** in Poland.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article__sub-title\">Implications of a Trzaskowski Victory<\/h2>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">A win for Trzaskowski would empower the government to fulfill its unfulfilled commitments, particularly those related to women&#8217;s rights and **abortion** law reforms. His presidency could also restore the **rule of law**, which has been undermined by the preceding government and outgoing president.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\"><em>&#8220;We have the opportunity to put order in our country,&#8221;<\/em> stated the Nobel Peace Prize laureate **Lech Walesa**, highlighting the importance of upcoming discussions on Poland\u2019s future in the geopolitical landscape. The Polish presidency, while limited in powers, holds legislative veto authority, a tool that Duda has utilized frequently.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">Political analysts predict that with a Nawrocki presidency, the legislative agenda would be effectively stalled, threatening the existence of the current governing coalition. This scenario could pave the way for a populist resurgence in the next legislative elections in just two years if the opposition does not maintain its foothold.<\/p>\n<p class=\"article__paragraph\">In the wake of Donald Tusk&#8217;s leadership, Poland has solidified its role within Europe, marking itself as a strategic entity at the eastern borders of the **Atlantic Alliance**, especially in light of threats from **Russia**. Therefore, the significance of this election extends beyond Poland, marking it as critical in the **fight against anti-democratic populist trends** that are emerging across Europe.<\/p>\n<section class=\"catcher catcher--favoris\">\n<div class=\"catcher__content\"><span class=\"catcher__title catcher__title--hide\">Read also |<\/span><span class=\"catcher__desc\"><br \/>\n    <span class=\"icon__premium\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Article reserved for our subscribers<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n    Presidential in Poland: Ursula von der Leyen&#8217;s helping hand in Donald Tusk<br \/>\n    <\/span> <\/div>\n<p>\n    <button class=\"lmd-btn-icon lmd-btn-icon--primary lmd-btn-icon--m js-lmd-dropdown-favorite-toggler\" aria-controls=\"lmd-dropdown-favorite\" aria-label=\"Lire plus tard\" aria-describedby=\"article-title-3422839\" data-article-id=\"3422839\" data-position=\"lire aussi\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.lemonde.fr\/international\/article\/2025\/05\/17\/pologne-les-coups-de-main-d-ursula-von-der-leyen-a-donald-tusk_6606536_3210.html\" data-status=\"\"><br \/>\n    <span class=\"icon__favorites\"\/><br \/>\n    <span class=\"js-btn-icon-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Read later<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/button>\n    <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"author\">\n<p class=\"author__detail\">\n        <span class=\"author__name\">The world with AFP<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__reactions\">\n    Reuse this content<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/category\/general\/\" rel=\"dofollow\">Breaking News General &#8211; 1<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The mayor of Warsaw, Rafal Trzaskowski, in Sandomierz, Poland, May 18, 2025. Kacper Pempel \/ Reuters The pro-European candidate **Rafal Trzaskowski** emerged at the forefront in the first round of the **presidential election in Poland** held on May 18, 2025. This election is paramount for the future of the pro-European government in place. According to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":133737,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1691,3819,5034,34883,861],"class_list":["post-133736","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","tag-candidate","tag-leads","tag-poland","tag-proeuropean","tag-voting"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133736","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=133736"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133736\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/133737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=133736"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=133736"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=133736"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}