Description: Poland’s runoff presidential election further sparks uncertainty and political instability as liberal pro – European candidate Rafal Trzaskowski would face national conservative Karol Nawrocki. Recently exposed controversies around the candidates further fuel election unpredictability as Trzaskowski was accused of corruption while Nawrocki was stained with gang and hooligan affiliations. Both candidates increased political campaigning in recent days aiming to flock the support of the remaining left and far – right candidates which failed to qualify for the runoff. Nawrocki attended the CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) held in Jasionka, where he was endorsed by Kristi Noem, US Secretary of Homeland Security. Trzaskowski rallied his Warsaw supporters and is continuously supported by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The election is scheduled for 02 Jun where Poland would elect the successor of nationalist – conservative Andrzej Duda.
Impact: Several factors would impact the outcome of Poland’s runoff presidential election as the country decides its future positioning in a state of global turmoil. Nawrocki’s public endorsement by the Trump administration could significantly backfire towards his chances as US antagonism towards Europe has significantly increased since Trump took office. Nawrocki is also supported by the far – right Law and Justice party of the incumbent President Andrzej Duda who has repeatedly blocked Prime Minister Tusk’s legislative initiative which also influences his election chances. Liberal candidate Trzaskowski on the other hand is heavily supported by Prime Minister Tusk whose popularity and approval indexes have rapidly plummeted in recent months which in turn impacts Trzaskowski’s election chances. Poland’s imbedded EU ties catalyzed by the war in Ukraine would most probably put Trzaskowski on the pole position as the next Polish President, however, the undetermined voters could sway significant support in Nawrocki’s direction which would see the country strategically distancing itself from Europe and aligning with the conservative and isolationist political wave in the US.