Relief in Europe as Poland 'rejects Trump-style president for pro-Brussels candidate'

Voters in appear to have handed the presidency to liberal pro-EU candidate Rafa Trzaskowski, who has claimed victory after scraping past rightwing historian Karol Nawrocki in the first exit poll. However, Nawrocki has refused to concede defeat until the official results are published.

Warsaw mayor Trzaskowski went head-to-head with conservative Nawrocki, who has drawn inspiration from Donald Trump and his MAGA movement. This election will determine whether the largest country in the EU's eastern wing will cement its place within the bloc or take a more nationalist path. The vote is being closely watched in neighbouring Ukraine as well as in Russia, the EU and the US.

Trzaskowski, from the ruling centrists Civic Coalition (KO), appears to have narrowly defeated Nawrocki, who is backed by nationalists Law and Justice (PiS). According to one exit poll, Trzaskowski had 50.3%, while Nawrocki had 49.7%. However, his advantage is within the margin of error and the official result will come on Monday (June 2).

Despite the minimal projected margin of victory in the exit poll, Trzaskowski declared himself the winner, beginning his speech in Warsaw with "We've won!" before thanking his family and staff.

Trzaskowski has said strong ties with Brussels and Washington DC, are vital for his country's security, but Nawrocki, who met President Trump in the White House in May, prioritises relations with the US.

Polish Prime Minister , who took office around a year and a half ago, said after the first round of the vote that the next two weeks would decide Poland's future.

Parliament holds most power in Poland, but the president can veto legislation, despite the fact that the role is largely ceremonial.

The National Electoral Commission said turnout was 54.91% at 5pm local time, the highest-ever figure for Polish presidential elections, but just below the all-time high of the 2023 parliamentary election.

Voting ended at 9pm local time (8pm BST), with the official result due tomorrow.

According to Republicans against Trump on X, Donald Trump put a lot of effort into supporting Karol Nawrocki, including inviting him to a special meeting in the Oval Office and sending Kristi Noem (the US Secretary of Homeland Security) to Poland just days before the election to urge Poles to vote for him.