Karol Nawrocki, 42, a conservative historian and former heavyweight boxing champion, has narrowly won Poland’s presidential election, defeating liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. Backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party and endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Nawrocki is known for his strong nationalist views and focus on traditional Polish and Catholic values.
Before running for president, he headed the Institute of National Remembrance, where he promoted nationalist historical narratives and led efforts to remove Soviet-era monuments, actions that landed him on Russia’s wanted list.
Nawrocki’s campaign emphasized defending Polish identity, resisting secular trends, and expressing skepticism about the European Union and NATO membership for Ukraine. He has vowed to use his presidential powers to oppose the centrist, pro-EU government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, signaling rising political tensions in Poland.