The Polish political scene has once again become lively with passions ahead of the second round of presidential elections
According to the latest exit poll data released by the international company Ipsos, this Sunday two candidates advanced to the final battle for the highest national office. These are the liberal Warsaw mayor Rafel Trzaskowski and the experienced right-conservative Karol Nawrótki. Based on the survey data, which should be noted are preliminary and may undergo some adjustments, Trzaskowski received approximately 30.8% of the voter support, while his main opponent Nawrótki managed to secure 29.1%. The next voting stage is scheduled for June 1, and it will determine the final contender for the presidency in the coming years. The initial phase of the campaign was marked by active competition between the candidates, each supported by different political camps and electoral groups. It is worth mentioning that the liberal Trzaskowski was nominated by the leading ruling party, Civic Coalition, which traditionally supports the Euro-Atlantic course and broader democracy. In contrast, Karol Nawrótki is supported by the right-conservative Law and Justice party (PiS), known for its cautious approach to European integration and its active stance on issues of historical memory and national identity. The pre-election campaign was filled with public debates, vivid propaganda videos, and discussions about Poland's future in international structures and internal policies. In official political circles, it was repeatedly emphasized that the election results are not only of strategic importance for the country but could also influence the balance of power in the European arena, especially amid growing tensions between major global blocs. It is recalled that the Polish election campaign unfolds against the backdrop of deep political and ideological debates, particularly regarding relations with Ukraine and Russia, levels of public finance, social policies, and cultural values. There has been considerable caution and criticism, especially from opponents, concerning the policies supported by these candidates in their pre-election promises. Overall, on Sunday, May 18, more than 29 million Polish citizens had the opportunity to express their will by voting in the first round of the presidential election. The choice was quite varied: the number of candidates reached 13, each trying to convince their voter base of the correctness of their program and vision for the country's future. Now, attention is focused on the upcoming votes, which will determine who among the candidates will become the next president and, consequently, shape Poland's political orientation in the near future. The second round promises to be even more tense and emotional, as the results of the initial votes have opened new scenarios and summarized the internal political forces. One thing is clear: the political struggle in this country will last for a long time, as circumstances are changing and external factors influence the internal course. Throughout this pre-election campaign, particular attention was paid to issues of historical memory, attitude towards Ukraine and the European Union, which further highlights the complexity and multifaceted nature of modern Polish politics. Only a few days remain before the decision that will determine Poland's political trajectory in the coming years. All observers and political players are eagerly awaiting the results of the second round to understand who will have the opportunity to shape the country's course and to at least partially forecast its future amid geopolitical challenges and internal transformations.