Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash
Some MEPs have welcomed the election of Karol Nawrocki as President of Poland.
Nawrocki, the populist-right opposition candidate in Sunday’s exceptionally close election was backed by the Law and Justice party (PiS).
In what was a key test of current public opinion, he beat his pro-European rival Rafał Trzaskowski. Nawrocki took 50.89% of votes in the runoff, with Trzaskowski on 49.11%
Reaction to the outcome of the keenly awaited poll was swift with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reportedly saying she expects “very good cooperation” to continue between the EU and Poland under the presidency of Nawrocki.
The EU chief noted, “I’m confident that the EU will continue its very good cooperation with Poland. We are all stronger together in our community of peace, democracy, and values.”
“So let us work to ensure the security and prosperity of our common home,” she said in a post on X.
The result was warmly greeted by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group which said Nawrocki “went the distance, and the people of Poland stood with him.”
Its statement on Monday said, “In a very tight race, Nawrocki secured the trust of millions of people who chose conviction over conformity, history over forgetting, and sovereignty over submission. His victory is not only a Polish decision — it is a European message.
Further comment came from ECR Group Co-Chairs Patryk Jaki and Nicola Procaccini who said that the result “reflects a growing desire for a different kind of Europe — one built by its nations, not imposed upon them.”
Speaking on Monday, Jaki said, “I warmly congratulate Karol Nawrocki on his victory. It is a triumph for Poland — and a warning to those who govern Europe as if voters did not exist.
“This result reminds us that you cannot determine the future of Europe in Brussels without listening to its peoples.”
“This election shows that citizens want real choices, not pre-approved candidates and pre-determined policies. Democracy in Europe needs conviction, not conformity.”
His comments were echoed by Procaccini, who added: “Congratulations to Karol Nawrocki, who led an outstanding campaign. The Polish people have spoken clearly, and their choice deserves to be heard far beyond their own borders.”
“We are proud to support a president who defends tradition, responsibility and a Europe of balanced powers.”
“Europe must remain a community of free nations, not a machine that overrides the will of the people. President Nawrocki brings that message with democratic legitimacy.”
The ECR Group said it believes that Nawrocki’s success “marks a pivotal moment for Europe’s conservative movement.”
It adds, “At a time when visions of centralised integration dominate the Brussels agenda, his election highlights the enduring importance of a Europe that is rooted in diversity, subsidiarity, and mutual respect.”
“Far from opposing the European idea, this vision recalls the Union’s original promise: a Europe of nations, not negations. This is a Europe where unity does not mean uniformity, but rather voluntary cooperation among sovereign democracies.”
