Karol Nawrocki’s Presidential Victory: A New Chapter in Poland’s Political Landscape
- Irion Dekov
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Author: Michał Krawczyński
A Fresh Face in the President's Office
Karol Nawrocki became the new head of state of Poland after winning the 2025 presidential election. His victory received international and Polish attention in the competitive campaign. Some are optimistic about his ability to lead, while others remain sceptical about what his presidency will hold.
One thing is certain: Nawrocki's victory marks a change, and many people are eager to see what comes next.

Who Is Karol Nawrocki?
Karol Nawrocki led the Institute of National Remembrance; a government body focused on historical research and promoting national memory. His work there helped shape his public image as a proud supporter of Polish traditions and conservative values.
He is not a typical politician. He hasn’t held many elected roles before. But many of his supporters see him as someone who defends national pride and offers strong leadership. Others, however, are cautious. They worry he may focus too much on the past instead of facing today’s challenges.
How People Voted
The election results showed a country divided. Nawrocki gained strong support in rural areas, and in regions that have traditionally supported conservative candidates. On the other hand, people in bigger cities usually voted for his more progressive opponents.
Voter turnout was high, which shows that people cared deeply about the election. Compared to past years, more people seemed willing to speak out and vote for change. Still, the final results suggest that there’s no single vision for Poland’s future.
What Might Happen in Poland Now
As president, Nawrocki will likely support changes in the judiciary, education, and national institutions. Some expect him to promote more control by the state in certain areas. He may also continue efforts to highlight Polish history and identity in public life.
At the same time, his lack of political experience might be a challenge. Running a public institution is different from leading a country. He will need to work with many groups, including critics.
When it comes to social issues—like LGBTQ+ rights, abortion laws, or school education—Nawrocki is expected to follow traditional views. These positions may cause tension with Poles who have more progressive views.
What About Foreign Policy?
In foreign relations, Nawrocki has said he supports NATO and wants a strong defense policy, especially while the war in Ukraine continues. He sees security as one of Poland’s top priorities.
However, his approach to the European Union may be more cautious. He supports Polish independence and has sometimes shown hesitation toward EU influence. This could lead to conflicts with Brussels if Poland’s policies don’t align with EU policies.
He also seems interested in working more closely with other Central and Eastern European countries, building new partnerships in the region.
What People Are Saying
After the election, public reaction was mixed. Some groups celebrated. Others were worried. Many people are simply watching and waiting to see how Nawrocki will use his new role.
Some critics fear that Nawrocki may act more like a symbol than a true leader. Since his background is mostly historical and not political, there are questions about how he will deal with everyday problems like inflation, public services, and social divisions.
Many hope that at least he won’t deepen the political polarization that has already grown in Poland over the last few years.
What This Means for the Future
Nawrocki’s victory shows that traditional values still have strong support in parts of Poland. But it also highlights a deep split in the country. People want different things from their leaders.
Going forward, Nawrocki will need to find balance. He needs to choose to listen to different voices and work with a range of political groups, if he wants to reduce tensions. But if he sticks only to his base, those divisions could grow.
His presidency may not bring fast or dramatic change. But it will set the tone for Poland’s political and cultural direction in the next five years.

Conclusion
Karol Nawrocki’s presidency is just the beginning. Building unity in a divided country, managing foreign affairs, and handling social issues is going to be difficult.
Whether Nawrocki succeeds will depend not just on his own choices, but also on how well he listens—and how willing he is to adapt to Poland’s changing needs.
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