Poland Heads to the Polls Amid Uncertainty—and Fears of Russian Meddling
Warsaw, May 18 — Poland heads into a high-stakes presidential election Sunday, with voters set to choose a new leader at a time of mounting political polarization, economic concerns, and geopolitical tensions. The race has taken on added urgency amid growing suspicions of Russian interference in the campaign.
As President Andrzej Duda completes his term, the future direction of Poland—especially its relationship with the European Union, the United States, and its eastern neighbors—hangs in the balance.
Who’s Leading the Race?
Front-runner Rafał Trzaskowski, the pro-EU Mayor of Warsaw representing the opposition Civic Platform party, has gained momentum with promises to mend ties with Brussels, support Ukraine, and defend liberal democratic values. His campaign is centered on restoring civil rights, supporting LGBTQ+ communities, and revisiting recent controversial laws on media and judiciary independence.
Facing him is Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party. Nawrocki’s platform focuses on national sovereignty, cultural conservatism, and a tough stance on EU influence. He has also been vocal about historical reparations from Germany and is cautious about Ukraine’s path to NATO and EU membership.
Other candidates, like far-right politician Sławomir Mentzen, add to the ideological spread, campaigning on controversial social policies and appealing to Poland’s younger, nationalist voter base through platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Russia’s Shadow Over the Campaign
Adding to the drama, Polish officials have publicly stated their concerns over possible Russian interference in the election. Intelligence services suspect that pro-Kremlin actors may be attempting to sway public opinion, disrupt voter confidence, or stoke division through misinformation campaigns on social media. While the details remain classified, cybersecurity experts are on high alert.
“Russia has a long history of meddling in democratic processes,” said a senior official with Poland’s internal security agency. “We are not ruling out coordinated disinformation efforts intended to weaken the integrity of our institutions.”
READ MORE: Poland’s prime minister visits Ukraine in the latest show of support for Kyiv against Russia
What’s at Stake?
If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote in Sunday’s ballot, a runoff election will be held on June 1 between the top two contenders. The Polish presidency holds significant veto power, making this race a crucial checkpoint for the country’s policy direction.
Voter turnout is expected to be high, driven by a mix of anxiety and hope. With issues like judicial reform, inflation, NATO alignment, and even AI and defense innovation on the table, this election will shape not just the future of Poland—but also its role in a rapidly evolving European landscape.
As campaign season comes to a close, many in Warsaw believe this isn’t just another vote—it’s a referendum on what kind of democracy Poland wants to be.
