Warsaw (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Polish voters are casting their ballots in a crucial presidential run-off, which could significantly influence the country’s future within the European Union.
Poling started at 7 am local time (05:00 GMT), with pro-Europeean Union Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski of the centre-right Civic group, an element of the governing Civic Coalition, going up against conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, who is supported by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) group.
This run-off follows a very close first round on May 18th, where Trzaskowski secured just above 31% of the vote and Nawrocki nearly 30% while eliminating 11 other candidates. The outgoing president, Andrzej Duda, also a nationalist conservative supported by PiS, is coming to the end of his second and last term.
How much influence will the new president wield?
The next president has a great deal of influence due to veto privileges over legislation, meaning policy decisions by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist government will be dependent on the new president’s approval for implementing reforms.
The parliament of Poland holds the greatest power in terms of legislation. However, the role of the president is notable because the president has the power to veto it. The Sejm (the lower house of the parliament) can accomplished overturn this veto as long as it can do so by three-fifths majority of its members, and if they were first to constitute half of their members present. The president also has the power to ask the Constitutional Tribunal to consider whether a proposed legislation would be constitutional prior to signing it into law, which can affect the legislative process that cannot delay or alter, etc.
Will Trzaskowski boost EU ties and judicial reform?
Trzaskowski states he will restore judicial independence, lift abortion restrictions, and deepen ties with the EU and Western allies. He is in support of Ukraine joining NATO and calls for close cooperation with both Brussels and Washington.
While Nawrocki stated as president he would never approve it as it may create a conflict with Russia, Trzaskowski believed Ukraine’s eventual membership in NATO is vital for Poland’s security. Trzaskowski insisted Poland’s security is about maintaining strong ties with Washington and Brussels. Nawrocki, who met Trump in the White House in May, places greater importance on ties with the US.
Could Nawrocki’s presidency strain Brussels-Warsaw relations further?
In contrast, Nawrocki positions himself as a defender of traditional Polish values, shows scepticism towards the EU, opposes bringing Ukraine under NATO, and enjoys the support of conservative Americans, including President Donald Trump. His campaign endorses some popular themes on the American right, including national sovereignty and conservative social policies.
