Catholic Conservative Candidate Karol Nawrocki Wins Polish Presidential Election

Warsaw, 7 June 2025 — Karol Nawrocki, a 42-year-old historian and former boxer, won the Polish presidential runoff election on Monday with 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%. Nawrocki, who is a devout Catholic, campaigned on traditional Catholic values and cultural conservatism, pledging to maintain close ties with the Church and to veto liberal reforms on abortion and same-sex unions. He will be sworn in on August 6, succeeding President Andrzej Duda for a five-year term.

Nawrocki’s victory marks a continuation of conservative leadership in Poland’s largely ceremonial presidency, which nonetheless holds significant veto power. His commitment to faith and family values contrasts sharply with Trzaskowski’s progressive agenda. Analysts expect Nawrocki’s veto authority to stall Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-European Union reform efforts, as Tusk's coalition lacks the 60% parliamentary majority needed to override presidential vetoes.

During his campaign, Nawrocki made symbolic statements, including publicly shredding a copy of “Gender Queer: A Memoir”, signalling his opposition to liberal social policies. His presidency is set to reinforce the influence of the Catholic Church in Polish politics and society, reaffirming faith as a cornerstone of national identity amid ongoing cultural and political debates.

Source: Shalom World

Image Credit: The White House