Rival marches draw thousands before pivotal Polish presidential election
Al Jazeera3 days
Polish Presidential Rivals Hold Massive Warsaw Rallies
Above: Warsaw Mayor and presidential candidate Rafal Trzaskowski (left) and historian Karol Nawrocki appear on a screen during a presidential discussion on May 23, 2025. Image copyright: NurPhoto/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Liberal narrative
Poland desperately needs a president who will work with the government instead of blocking every reform attempt like the current nationalist president has done for years. Trzaskowski represents the future — a modern, European Poland that embraces diversity, women's rights, and strong ties with democratic allies. The choice is clear between moving forward with European integration or sliding backward into isolationism and authoritarianism that threatens Poland's standing in NATO and the EU.
Conservative narrative
Poland requires a president who will defend traditional values and national sovereignty against the cosmopolitan elite trying to impose foreign ideologies on Polish society. Nawrocki stands for authentic Polish patriotism, protecting borders from illegal immigration, and ensuring schools remain free from radical gender ideology. The current government has already broken too many promises, and Poland needs a strong conservative voice to provide balance against Tusk's failed policies.