Poland to vote on two different paths for their country

Poland will hold a presidential election where voters choose between liberal mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, and far‑right candidate Slawomir Mentzen. Trzaskowski, backed by the ruling coalition, is the front‑runner but may face a runoff on June 1 if he does not secure an outright majority. Nawrocki, supported by the nationalist Law and Justice party, and Mentzen, both Trump supporters, emphasize anti‑immigration and anti‑woke stances. The election comes amid rising nationalism in Central Europe, concerns over living costs, migration, and security threats from Russia, and follows the ongoing war in Ukraine. Analysts note that a Trzaskowski victory would strengthen Poland’s ties with the EU and its defense cooperation, while a Nawrocki win could deepen relations with the United States.