Trump-Backed EU Skeptic Wins Polish Presidency

The office of the presidency in Poland isn't the head of the government. That's the Prime Minister, who is currently liberal Donald Tusk.

But the President has the power to veto the actions of the PM, which presumably is what the new President will do.

In a dramatic political upset with wide-reaching implications for Europe, right-wing nationalist Karol Nawrocki was declared the winner of Poland's presidential election late Sunday night. Backed by the conservative Law and Justice Party (PiS) and U.S. President Donald Trump, Nawrocki won 50.89 percent of the vote, edging out centrist liberal Rafał Trzaskowski, who took 49.11 percent, according to Poland's electoral commission.

The results overturned earlier exit polls showing a slight lead for Trzaskowski and sent a clear message from conservative voters eager to push back against what they view as the creeping influence of globalism and liberal social values. Voter turnout reached 71.6 percent, reflecting the high stakes and deep divide across Polish society.

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The result deals a major blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose pro-European government will now have to navigate a combative and politically opposed president. Though Poland's presidency is largely ceremonial, the office wields the power to veto legislation -- a power Nawrocki is expected to use often.

Analysts suggest a tense political period lies ahead. "Nawrocki's presidency means a high-level conflict between the president and Tusk," said Joanna Sawicka of Polityka Insight. With Tusk's coalition unable to override presidential vetoes, his legislative agenda is effectively gridlocked for the foreseeable future.

Hello friends! Did you enjoy your weekend?

posted by Ace at 12:27 PM

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