WARSAW — Recently, members of Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS) party drew attention when they donned MAGA hats and were heard chanting “Donald Trump!” in the Polish parliament.
Despite President Trump’s controversial stance on Ukraine and Russia, the enthusiasm among PiS for the U.S. leader remains strong as they aim to leverage this support ahead of the upcoming 2025 Polish Presidency elections.
Polling indicates a significant number of Poles favor Trump, especially among PiS and the far-right Confederation party. A recent opinion poll revealed that while approximately half of the respondents supported Democrat Kamala Harris, Trump found a more favorable view among right-wing voters.
Trump’s appeal poses a complex situation for European populists; his administration’s overt support for far-right movements has garnered admiration, yet his criticisms of NATO and Ukraine present dilemmas for PiS, known for its strong anti-Russian rhetoric.
Polish President Andrzej Duda’s attendance at CPAC, where he engaged with Trump, underscores the strong alliance they seek to maintain. Following their meeting, the White House confirmed that Trump reaffirmed their close alliance.
Duda has emphasized that the U.S. is a “reliable ally,” advocating for the relocation of American troops from Germany to Poland as part of enhancing their military readiness amidst the ongoing War in Ukraine.
Karol Nawrocki, PiS’s presidential candidate, has also positioned himself as an ally of Trump, expressing support for Trump’s criticisms of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom Nawrocki referred to as a “dictator” during recent statements.
Critique of Ukraine
Nawrocki’s historical perspective aligns with right-wing sentiments in Poland, where anti-Ukrainian feelings are rising. The legacy of World War II and a growing discontent with Ukrainian refugees contribute to his campaign strategy.
Recent surveys indicate a shift in Polish public opinion, with over half of respondents favoring a halt to weapons shipments to Ukraine, especially among right-leaning voters.
As Nawrocki challenges centrist candidate Rafał Trzaskowski of the Civic Platform party, the race remains tight. Recent polls show Trzaskowski leading with 34.1% support, while Nawrocki trails at 25.7%. However, he must be wary of Sławomir Mentzen from the Confederation party, who is gaining ground.
The stakes are high for both PiS and Civic Platform, with Tusk’s party eager to reclaim the presidency from Duda, who has obstructed parts of their agenda. The election also represents a critical moment for PiS to rebound from recent parliamentary losses.
While Nawrocki’s alignment with Trump is strategic, it raises concerns about maintaining support for NATO as Trump’s rhetoric begins to drift closer to that of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As the electoral battle heats up, both parties must navigate their positions on Trump and the ongoing challenges in international relations, particularly regarding NATO and the War in Ukraine.
In conclusion, the upcoming elections will not only shape the future of Polish politics but also reflect the broader dynamics of Elections in Europe and U.S. politics as they intersect at this crucial juncture.
