Karol Nawrocki has been elected the new President of Poland, achieving a tight win with 50.89% of the vote.
The result marks a historic moment for the country, bringing a fresh face to power who many see as an unexpected hero.
Backed by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, Nawrocki’s campaign took off only a few months ago, yet, he managed to gain support across Poland by presenting himself as a strong, grounded leader.
His rise has been seen by many as proof that hard work and national pride still matter in politics.
“I am simply one of you,” Nawrocki told cheering supporters in the city of Biała Podlaska.
This message hit home with many Polish citizens tired of what Nawrocki called the “metropolitan elite.”
His campaign leaned heavily on his tough background as an amateur boxer and former football fan.
He posted videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
These images helped shape a strong and fearless public image, one that appealed to nationalist voters across the country.
“All my sports activities were based on the strength of my heart, the strength of my muscles, my fists. It was a fair competition, regardless of the form,” he said during a live debate.
Despite facing several controversies, Nawrocki’s support stayed strong.
Allegations tied him to criminal activities and past violence. His team confirmed he was involved in a football hooligan fight in 2009.
Yet Nawrocki dismissed the incident as “noble combat,” which only added to his “man of the people” image.
Photos also surfaced of him with Patryk Masiak, a known criminal. Nawrocki did not deny their connection.
However, he stood firm, telling the public he had nothing to hide.
Moreover, a media outlet, Onet, claimed Nawrocki acted as a pimp while working as a hotel guard.
Nawrocki denied this and said he would sue the outlet. Instead of fast-tracking the case, he chose a normal court process.
Another story accused him of acquiring an apartment from an elderly man in return for care. The man ended up in a public facility. Nawrocki responded by offering to donate the property to charity.
Despite these challenges, Nawrocki’s message remained clear.
He pushed for national strength, traditional values, and caution regarding migration and global alliances.
While supporting aid to Ukraine, he opposed Ukraine joining NATO or the EU.
This view aligned with many Polish voters growing uneasy about rising refugee numbers.
During the campaign, he met with U.S. President Donald Trump and earned his endorsement.
Meanwhile, his rival, Rafal Trzaskowski, leaned into European values and liberal policies.
Nawrocki’s slogan, Poland First, struck a powerful chord.
He posted on social media, “Let’s help others, but let’s take care of our own citizens first.”
