Pro-EU Candidate Sparks Youth Surge in Nail-Biting Vote
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, a pro-EU centrist, narrowly clinched Poland's presidential election first round with 31.36% of votes – just 1.8% ahead of nationalist rival Karol Nawrocki. The July run-off promises high stakes for Europe’s political landscape.
Gen-Z Voters: The New Kingmakers?
Trzaskowski credited young voters for his lead, calling them "crucial" to overcoming Nawrocki’s nationalist base. But with polls predicting a wider margin, analysts say the slim gap signals turbulence for PM Donald Tusk’s coalition government.
Trump Card vs Brussels Vision
Nawrocki, who recently met with Donald Trump in Washington, vowed to defend his party’s social reforms. Meanwhile, Trzaskowski’s team is racing to turn this into a referendum on Poland’s EU future – think less ‘Love Island’, more ‘House of Cards’ meets TikTok activism.
Why it matters: This election could reshape Poland’s role in Ukraine support, climate policies, and LGBTQ+ rights. Stay tuned for July’s political showdown!
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Pro-EU mayor wins first round of Poland's presidential election
cgtn.com