Karol Nawrocki's Presidency Marks a Shift for Poland

**Warsaw, Poland (Aug 6, AP)** – Conservative Karol Nawrocki is set to assume the role of Poland's president on Wednesday, a transition that may steer the nation towards a more nationalist trajectory and raise uncertainties about the stability of Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist government. While the prime minister, elected by parliament, exercises most of the executive functions in Poland, the president wields notable influence in shaping foreign policy and holds the power to veto legislation. Nawrocki, who secured victory narrowly in a June runoff election with backing from US President Donald Trump, is a 42-year-old historian with no prior political experience. He was not affiliated with any political party until approached by the conservative Law and Justice party, which governed Poland from 2015 to 2023. Supporters of Nawrocki portray him as a paragon of traditional and patriotic values, resonating with those opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ visibility. They claim he embodies the values they cherish. During Nawrocki's campaign, the American conservative group CPAC staged its inaugural meeting in Poland to bolster his bid. Kristi Noem, the US Homeland Security secretary and ally of Trump, praised Nawrocki and encouraged Polish citizens to support him. His campaign resonated with themes prevalent among US conservatives, as supporters frequently expressed that Nawrocki would restore "normality," akin to Trump's influence in the US. US flags were a common sight at his rallies. Nawrocki's rapid political ascent has been fraught with controversy. Reports have surfaced linking him to underworld figures he associated with during his time as a boxer and hotel security guard. Additionally, he is embroiled in a scandal concerning the acquisition of a Gdansk apartment from a retiree. Allegations persist that Nawrocki promised care for the retiree, only to renege, resulting in the man residing in a publicly funded retirement home. Nawrocki's varying accounts of the situation have drawn scrutiny over his transparency and credibility. Following the scandal's outbreak, he donated the apartment to charity.

AP

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