Description: Polish presidential candidates Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki aim to flock as much support as they can before the 01 Jun runoff elections, as demands from far – right politicians start to mount. Trzaskowski, who won the initial elections by a slim margin, faces difficult challenges in conforming the ruling party’s policies towards the demands of the far -right voting groups in order to win the runoff. Karol Nawrocki, backed by the opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), welcomed the offer by the third presidential candidate which failed to secure a place in the runoff, Slawomir Mentzen, to participate in a debate against Trzaskowski where Mentzen would allegedly outline the far – right’s demands to both candidates. Trzaskowski has so far secured the endorsement by other candidates from the ruling party such as leftist Magdalena Biejat and parliamentary speaker Szymon Holownia from the center – right party, Poland 2050. The demands were initially aimed at stopping the refugee crisis stemming from the war in Ukraine, rejection of EU migration and climate policies, reduction of taxes and introducing legislature which would enable Poles to carry weapons for civilian defense purposes.
Impact: Poland’s presidential runoff elections already show the impact that far – right elements and political entities dictate on incumbent governments and running candidates. Trzaskowski and Nawrocki would have to carefully maneuver around tackling domestic issues to appease the far – right voting body without losing credibility and political integrity within their own respective camps. The high level of unpredictability in reorientation by the far – right voters further complicates the presidential runoff which would singularly depend on directly addressing issues and demands by the influential far – right politicians. Poland holds a crucial role within the EU as their defensive and economic pillar in central and eastern Europe, which could be compromised if the presidential candidates readjust their main political charters in line with the demands from the far – right elements. Trzaskowski despite winning by a slim margin in the first round is still the expected favorite to win the runoff, although the far – right factor could upend his favorable position and put Nawrocki closer to the office of the President.