Poland’s newly elected President, Karol Nawrocki, has signaled a combative start to his presidency by challenging Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s reformist agenda, raising the likelihood of a prolonged institutional standoff within one of the European Union’s largest member states.
In his first address to parliament, Nawrocki — a right-wing political newcomer and former head of Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance — sharply criticized the current government’s efforts to overhaul the judiciary. “Poland today is not on the path to the rule of law,” he said, calling for constitutional reforms and denouncing what he described as unlawful appointments made by Tusk’s administration, particularly in the justice system.
Nawrocki, backed by the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, replaces former President Andrzej Duda, also a PiS appointee. Observers believe Nawrocki could take an even more assertive stance against the centrist, pro-EU coalition led by Tusk, particularly as the prime minister works to restore judicial independence and deepen Poland’s integration with European institutions.
Tusk, who returned to power in 2023, has made judicial reforms a cornerstone of his administration. These reforms were instrumental in unlocking billions of euros in previously frozen EU funds, which had been withheld due to concerns over democratic backsliding under the PiS government.
However, Nawrocki’s inauguration speech made clear his opposition not only to Tusk’s domestic reforms but also to his broader European agenda. He declared his intention to represent “the voice of those who want a sovereign Poland,” in contrast to what he views as an overly integrationist stance from Tusk’s camp.
The atmosphere in the Polish parliament reflected the political tension. Right-wing lawmakers gave Nawrocki and his wife a standing ovation, chanting his name. Tusk, in contrast, remained visibly stoic and refrained from applauding. Shortly before the session, the prime minister had released a video calling on his supporters to remain united despite the presidential election loss.
After Nawrocki’s speech, Tusk reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defending the Polish constitution and the rule of law. “This is not the first time I’ve listened to a presidential address marked by a desire to exceed the constitutional limits of the presidency,” he remarked, taking a veiled jab at PiS founder Jarosław Kaczyński and former President Duda. He added that Nawrocki’s victory signals “a changing of the guard on the right.”
Beyond the domestic arena, Nawrocki has also expressed contentious foreign policy views. He has previously pledged to oppose Ukraine’s accession to both the EU and NATO — a stance that diverges from the mainstream position in Brussels. In a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Nawrocki reiterated demands for historical recognition of atrocities committed by Ukrainian nationalists against Poles during World War II. Nonetheless, he affirmed continued Polish support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
Nawrocki’s campaign and early presidency have not been without controversy. Allegations surfaced about links to criminal figures, and he faced public scrutiny over a real estate deal involving an apartment purchased from an elderly pensioner under questionable circumstances.
Despite these issues, Nawrocki maintained a tone of reconciliation in his speech, stating: “As a Christian, I forgive with peace of mind and from the bottom of my heart all the contempt and lies that came from Tusk’s camp during the campaign.”
As Nawrocki settles into office, Poland appears set for a period of political friction between the presidency and the pro-European government — a division that may test the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions and its place in the EU.
