The head of Poland’s parliament announced Wednesday that the country’s presidential election is scheduled for May 18, with a potential runoff on June 1 if no candidate secures a majority in the first round.
This election will determine whether the pro-European Union government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, gains a supportive ally in the presidency during a pivotal period for Poland and Europe, marked by the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine.
Incumbent President Andrzej Duda, representing Poland’s right-wing faction, has frequently clashed with the government by vetoing legislation and issuing sharp criticisms.
Most recently, Duda opted to go skiing rather than attend a concert gala marking Poland’s assumption of the EU’s rotating presidency. His second five-year term ends in August, and Poland’s constitution prohibits him from seeking reelection.
Szymon Hołownia, the influential speaker of the Sejm (Poland’s lower house of parliament), has declared his candidacy for president. He leads Poland 2050, a party within the current ruling coalition.
Hołownia emphasized that announcing the election date early in the political calendar provides adequate time for campaign preparations, which can officially begin on January 15.
Poland Announces Presidential Elections
Powers of the Polish Presidency
Poland’s president holds limited powers, as the government determines domestic and foreign policy. However, the president acts as the supreme commander of the armed forces, collaborates with the government, proposes legislation, can veto laws, and influences the nation’s foreign relations.
Candidates and Political Context
The Civic Coalition, Poland’s governing party, has selected Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski as its presidential candidate. Party leader and former European Union Council President Donald Tusk has chosen to remain in his role as prime minister.
The opposition party, Law and Justice (PiS), is supporting historian Karol Nawrocki, the current head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN). Nawrocki has been a contentious figure, with media reports alleging connections to hard-right groups and criminal circles—allegations he denies.
The party, which championed a euro-skeptic agenda, was defeated in the 2023 general election after eight years in power. Duda, a former member of PiS, was closely aligned with the party during his presidency.
Additionally, far-right leader Sławomir Mentzen is running for the presidency as the candidate for the Konfederacja (Confederation) party.
