Poland is holding a second round of presidential elections today, which will determine whether the largest country in the EU's eastern wing will strengthen its pro-European position or turn to Donald Trump-style nationalism, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m. local time (08:00 a.m. Bulgarian time), with Polish citizens able to exercise their right to vote until 9:00 p.m., after which exit poll data will be announced. The final results of the vote are due to be announced on Monday.
Turnout is key in the race between Rafal Trzaskowski, nominated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's liberal coalition, and Karol Nawrocki, the candidate of the opposition conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Parliament has the most power in Poland, but the head of state can veto legislation, so today's election is being closely watched in Ukraine, Russia, the United States and across the EU.
Both candidates agree on the need to spend significantly on defense, as US President Donald Trump has demanded of Europe, and to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion that has lasted more than three years. But while Trzaszkowski believes Ukraine's future NATO membership is essential for Poland's security, Nawrocki recently said that if he became president, he would not ratify Kiev's bid for the alliance because of the risk of war between NATO and Russia.
Trzaszkowski says strong relations with both Brussels and Washington are essential for Poland's security, and Nawrocki, who met with Trump at the White House in May, prioritizes ties with the United States.
If Nawrocki wins, he is likely to take a path similar to that of President Andrzej Duda, who is an ally of PiS, Reuters predicts. Duda used his veto power to block efforts by Tusk's cabinet to undo the previous government's judicial reforms, which the EU says undermine the independence of the courts.
Public opinion polls show that the difference in support for the two candidates is insignificant and falls within the statistical margin of error.