In a closely contested presidential election in Poland, Karol Nawrocki has emerged as the winner, according to several major Polish media outlets. With over 99 percent of the votes counted, Nawrocki, a candidate of the right-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, is reported to have secured 51 percent of the votes, with his pro-European rival, Warsaw’s Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, receiving 49 percent.
An official final result is expected to be announced later in the day. Nawrocki, a non-partisan candidate, had run under the banner of PiS and his victory is likely to significantly impact the country’s political landscape. As the new president, he will wield significant veto powers, potentially hindering the ability of the center-left coalition, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, to implement reforms.