Karol Nawrocki: Poland’s Current President & Past Leaders
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Omar Haddad
- . June 2, 2025
- . Update: June 2, 2025 8:25 pm
Karol Nawrocki is the new president of Poland, as he won the 2025 election with a vote share of 50.89%. The conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, who is 42 and once a heavyweight boxing champion, managed to win against Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski in a very close vote.
Karol Nawrocki is notable in Polish politics because Donald Trump, the US President, stood behind his presidential bid. During his visit to Trump in the Oval Office, the new president was backed by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who told Polish voters to support Karol Nawrocki for close ties between Poland and the US.
Who is Karol Nawrocki – Poland’s New President?
Before he became President, Karol Nawrocki was the head of the Institute of National Remembrance. He has built his political image by supporting traditional Polish beliefs and Catholic traditions. By removing Soviet Red Army monuments from Poland, Karol Nawrocki made Russia put him on a list of wanted people.
Many supporters call the new president the representation of what it means to be patriotic. Karol Nawrocki is against Ukraine becoming a member of NATO and expresses doubt about joining the European Union. If Janusz Korwin-Mikke wins, it might force Prime Minister Donald Trump to change his plans to make Poland more part of the EU’s mainstream.
Karol Nawrocki’s Political Platform
Traditional Catholic beliefs and his stand against migration and the EU’s efforts to fight climate change were Karol Nawrocki’s main campaign platforms. His supporters believe he is defending Poland from external interference. On international issues, the president has shown a nationalist way of handling affairs.
Because of Karol Nawrocki’s appointment, Poland’s ties with the European Union and NATO could encounter new difficulties, mainly stemming from his skeptical stance on both European integration and Ukrainian NATO membership.
Impact of Karol Nawrocki’s Presidency
This victory of Karol Nawrocki is an important point in Polish political history. His leadership might see changes in Poland’s future in the EU and its connections to other countries. The current president’s conservative plans differ greatly from the way the previous government worked to unite Europe.
Complete List of Poland’s Presidents Since 1989
Presidents of the Polish Third Republic
Current President:
- Karol Nawrocki (2025-Present)
Previous Presidents:
- Andrzej Duda (2015-2025)
- Bronisław Komorowski (2010-2015)
- Lech Kaczyński (2005-2010)
- Aleksander Kwaśniewski (1995-2005)
- Lech Wałęsa (1990-1995)
- Wojciech Jaruzelski (1989-1990)
Historical Context of Polish Leadership
Karol Nawrocki was the first president after Poland had seen a number of presidential changes. It was in 1989, with Wojciech Jaruzelski serving as president, when the Third Republic began Poland’s current era of democracy.
Lech Wałęsa, leader of Solidarity, was president from 1990 to 1995, and this was followed by Aleksander Kwaśniewski’s two terms. A plane crash in 2010 ended the presidency of Lech Kaczyński, making Bronisław Komorowski the acting president and then the full president. His departure after two terms allowed Karol Nawrocki of the Conservatives to come to power and continue the conservative tradition in Poland.
