Tens of thousands gather in Warsaw for rival presidential marches ahead of decisive runoff
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Tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of Warsaw on Sunday for dueling political rallies led by the two contenders in Poland’s high-stakes presidential runoff on 1 June — a race expected to be both close and consequential.
Supporters traveled from across the country — home to nearly 38 million people — not only to back their preferred candidate but also to champion starkly contrasting visions for Poland’s future.
Leading one of the marches was Rafał Trzaskowski, 53, the pro-European Union mayor of Warsaw. A strong advocate for abortion rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion, Trzaskowski is closely aligned with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his centrist coalition, which returned to power in late 2023.
Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd, Trzaskowski outlined his plan for a more inclusive Poland and pledged to drive industrial development as the country continues its transformation into a regional economic and military force.
In a different part of the capital, 42-year-old Karol Nawrocki spoke to his own supporters. A conservative historian and former boxer, Nawrocki is supported by the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, which ruled Poland from 2015 to 2023. He currently leads the state-run Institute of National Remembrance, known under PiS for its nationalist reinterpretation of Polish history.
“I am a Pole who knows the struggles of daily life,” Nawrocki declared. “I stand before you today fully convinced that I represent your voice.”
Earlier this month, the White House released photos of Nawrocki meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office — a clear, if unofficial, sign of backing from the U.S. president.
Trzaskowski, meanwhile, used his speech to challenge Nawrocki’s suitability for the presidency.
“It’s time for truth and honesty to prevail — for the future to win,” he said. “On 1 June, we will make a choice that could be one of the most important of our lives, one that will shape the fate of our children and grandchildren.”
The runoff follows the first round of voting on 18 May, which narrowed the field from 13 candidates to Trzaskowski and Nawrocki. Polls show the two in a dead heat, making the outcome highly uncertain.
Both candidates are now seeking support from backers of far-right libertarian Sławomir Mentzen, who captured nearly 15% of the vote in the first round.
