As Poland prepares for presidential elections, nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki is campaigning on a platform that blends support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia with a focus on Polish national interests, a strategy that has drawn both support and criticism.
While his main rival emphasizes his pro-European credentials, Nawrocki, a conservative historian, has posted videos of himself at shooting ranges, boxing rings, and meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Unlike some other Eurosceptic leaders in Central Europe, Nawrocki supports providing military aid to Ukraine.
However, he states that, if elected, he would oppose Ukraine’s membership in Western alliances until the country allows the exhumation of Polish victims killed by Ukrainian nationalists during World War II – a long-standing point of contention between the two nations [i].
Ukraine, which began allowing exhumations in April, argues that the killings, which Poland estimates claimed over 100,000 victims, were part of a broader conflict between the two nations, in which thousands of Ukrainians also died.
Critics accuse Nawrocki of exploiting unease over Ukrainian refugees at a time when the far-right is highlighting issues such as migration, the cost of living, and security, pointing to his campaign slogan, “Poland First”.
“Let’s help others, but let’s take care of our own citizens first,” he said on social media.
Opinion polls place Nawrocki in second place, behind liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, suggesting a likely runoff election between the two on June 1.
The presence of roughly one million Ukrainian refugees in Poland has led some Poles to complain about strains on healthcare, wages, and education, echoing sentiments seen in pre-Brexit Britain.
With far-right candidate Slawomir Mentzen polling in third place, his voters could prove crucial for Nawrocki in the second round.
“It’s a policy built on fear towards Ukrainians,” said Anna Materska-Sosnowska from Warsaw University. “It’s meant to attract (far-right) voters.”
Historical grievances have been a recurring theme for right-wing politicians in Poland, particularly the Law and Justice (PiS) party, which faced criticism for undermining democratic norms during its eight years in power. Although running as an independent, Nawrocki is supported by PiS.
As head of the Institute of National Remembrance, which investigates crimes against Poland, Nawrocki is subject to a Russian arrest warrant for the agency’s policy of removing monuments commemorating the Red Army’s advance at the end of World War II.
Ryszard Przyborowski, a pensioner planning to vote for Trzaskowski, expressed distrust of Nawrocki and skepticism about his Ukraine policy. “We should focus above all on building good neighbourly relations,” he said.
Nawrocki’s support has slightly declined recently amid allegations of failing to declare ownership of an apartment acquired from a vulnerable pensioner. However, many continue to support him, citing his understanding of their concerns about the cost of living and migration.
Critics have also raised concerns about Nawrocki’s past acquaintances, including football hooligans and convicted criminals, some of whom allegedly participated in events organized by the World War II Museum in Gdansk during his tenure as director.
Nawrocki has dismissed these criticisms, distancing himself from the convicts and asserting that his football fans are Polish citizens like any other.
