Poland is holding its presidential election as Andrzej Duda’s second term comes to an end.
The Polish presidential election is taking place amid a likely close race between candidates with differing views on EU integration. If no candidate wins a majority in the first round on Sunday, a second round will be held on June 1.
Around 29 million registered voters are eligible to select Andrzej Duda’s successor from a group of 13 candidates. Recent polls suggest a three-way race among the leading contenders.
Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, associated with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition, has emerged as a frontrunner. Trzaskowski, who supports European integration and judicial reform, narrowly lost to Duda in the previous election five years ago. While considered the most pro-Ukrainian candidate, he has stated he would reduce some social benefits for Ukrainian citizens.
Karol Nawrocki, supported by the Law and Justice party and campaigning on a conservative platform, is currently second in the polls. He is a strong opponent of what he describes as left-wing ideologies and has been critical of EU policies on migration and climate. Nawrocki opposes Ukraine joining the EU and NATO and is against providing financial aid to refugees, but supports continued military assistance to Kiev.
Slawomir Mentzen, an economist from the right-leaning Confederation Liberty and Independence party, is currently polling third. Mentzen uses social media, particularly TikTok, to voice his criticism of EU regulations on car emissions and home heating, claiming they threaten Polish sovereignty. He has also criticized the government’s refugee policy, arguing it puts a strain on public resources.
Public opinion regarding Ukrainian refugees has notably changed recently, with media reports indicating increasing support among Poles for their return home. This issue has become a key topic in the campaigns of several leading candidates.
The official results are expected on Monday, but exit polls will be available shortly after voting concludes at 9 p.m. local time on Sunday.
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