The Polish They come back to the polls today, Sunday, for the second and decisive round of the presidential elections, in a clash characterized by marginal balances and can determine the future of the country in the European Union, but also on critical social issues such as the right to abortion and the rights of the community.
Rafal Transkovsky, 53, mayor of Warsaw and a staunch supporter of the EU, is supported by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s central government government. His opponent is Carol Navrotsky, 42, a historian with nationalist positions, supported by the right -wing law and justice party (PIS) of outgoing President Andrei Dunda.
Polls predict a fierce battle, with Navrotsky raising 50.1% of voting intentions and Trarsovsky 49.9%, a difference that moves within the limits of statistical error.
The constituencies opened at 08:00 and will close at 22:00 (Greek time), with the first exit polls expected immediately after the ballot box is closed. The end result, however, will not be announced before Monday.
What is at stake
Transkovsky’s victory could mark progress on social issues pursued by the Tusk government, such as the establishment of a cohabitation of same -sex people and the relaxation of strict abortion restrictions – a particular issue in a country where 71% of the population (20) denotes a Catholic (20).
On the contrary, Navrotsky’s victory would strengthen the nationalist PIS and could even lead to early elections. Its supporters are demanding stricter restrictions on immigration and more national sovereignty over the EU.
“We must not succumb to the pressures of the European Union,” he said, a forty -year -old supporter, while another voter underlined that “Poland’s sovereignty is more important than the EU”
Political analyst Anna Merska-Sosnovska describes the elections as “a true conflict of cultures”, with the two candidates expressing diametrically opposed visions for the country’s future.
Social and international extensions
Supporters of Trarsovsky are in favor of further integration of Poland in the EU. and in favor of progressive reforms. “Unfortunately, the Poles do not have the same rights as our European girlfriends,” he said fifty tourist guide and teacher.
The elections are also closely watched by Kiev, as Poland is one of Ukraine’s main allies in the war with Russia. However, Navrotsky, who is a fan of Donald Trump, opposes Ukraine’s NATO accession and calls for restrictions on the privileges enjoyed by about a million Ukrainian refugees in the country.
Shortly before the end of the election campaign, Navrotsky laid a wreath at a monument dedicated to the victims of Ukrainian nationalists during World War II, referring to “genocide at the expense of the Polish people”.
The criticality of participation
The result is expected to be judged by the participation and attitude of the far right voters, who garnered more than 21% in the first round.
In the first round of the election, Trarsovsky prevailed marginally on May 18 with 31% of the vote against 30% of Navrotsky.