Poland votes in tight presidential race between pro-EU and nationalist visions

1/6/2025 17:05

Voting was underway in Poland's knife-edge presidential election on Sunday, which will determine whether the largest country in the European Union's eastern wing cements its place in the bloc's mainstream or turns towards MAGA-style nationalism.



Turnout holds the key to the contest between Rafal Trzaskowski of ruling centrists Civic Coalition (KO), who holds a narrow lead in opinion polls, and Karol Nawrocki, backed by nationalists Law and Justice (PiS). Opinion polls show that the difference between the candidates is within the margin of error.



Voting began at 7 a.m. and is due to end at 9 p.m., with exit polls published soon afterwards. The electoral commission says it hopes final results will be announced on Monday morning or early afternoon.



Parliament holds most power in Poland but the president can veto legislation so the vote is being watched closely in neighbouring Ukraine, as well as in Russia, the U.S. and across the EU.



Both candidates agree on the need to spend heavily on defence, as U.S. President Donald Trump is demanding from Europe, and to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia's three-year-old invasion.