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A Nationalist Shift Polands New Presidentandthe Shadowof Trump

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 11:02 GMT by KOB 4
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Poland has a new president, Andrzej Duda, and his victory – secured with significant backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump – is signaling a potential shift towards a more nationalist course for the country. While Duda’s re-election was expected given the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party's popularity and control over state media, the explicit endorsement from Trump has amplified international scrutiny and raised questions about Poland’s future trajectory within Europe.

Duda, who previously served as president from 2015 to 2020, won a second term with approximately 53.8% of the vote against his rival, Rafal Traskowski, a former European Commission vice-president backed by a broad opposition coalition. The election was marked by low voter turnout, particularly among younger demographics, suggesting a degree of apathy or disillusionment with both candidates and the political landscape. However, Duda’s victory solidifies PiS's grip on power, allowing them to pursue their agenda with fewer checks and balances from a presidential opponent.

The significance of Trump’s endorsement cannot be understated. He publicly voiced his support for Duda in the days leading up to the election, praising him as "a great man" and highlighting his commitment to national sovereignty – sentiments that resonate strongly with PiS's own platform. This overt backing from a figure synonymous with populist nationalism has drawn comparisons between Poland’s political climate and developments in the United States.

PiS, led by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, has consistently championed conservative values, traditional family structures, and national identity. Their policies have often clashed with European Union regulations and principles of liberal democracy, leading to concerns about rule of law and judicial independence within Poland. The party’s flagship program, "Polish Deal," aims to redistribute wealth and bolster social support for families, but has also been criticized for its potential inflationary impact and lack of transparency.

Duda's presidency is expected to continue supporting PiS's agenda, potentially leading to further friction with the EU. Key areas of contention include judicial reforms that have been deemed by Brussels as undermining the independence of courts and eroding democratic checks on government power. The ongoing dispute over media ownership, particularly the control of state-owned television channels which heavily favor PiS messaging, also remains a significant point of concern for international observers.

The Trump endorsement adds another layer to this complex situation. It signals a potential alignment between Poland’s increasingly nationalist political direction and the broader trend of populist movements gaining traction globally. While Duda has attempted to downplay the significance of Trump's support, emphasizing that it reflects shared values rather than a specific policy agenda, the implications are clear: Poland is positioning itself as a more assertive player on the international stage, potentially willing to challenge established norms and alliances in pursuit of its national interests.

Beyond domestic politics, Duda’s victory could also impact Poland's relationship with NATO and the United States. PiS has consistently advocated for increased defense spending and a stronger military presence in Eastern Europe, aligning with Trump’s previous calls for greater burden-sharing among NATO allies. However, the potential for closer ties with Washington under a future Trump administration could also complicate Poland’s relations with other European countries who may view such alignment with suspicion.

Looking ahead, Duda's second term will be crucial in shaping Poland's political and economic trajectory. The country faces numerous challenges, including navigating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, managing rising inflation, and addressing concerns about democratic backsliding. Whether Duda can successfully balance his commitment to national sovereignty with the need for international cooperation remains to be seen. His relationship with Brussels will continue to be a defining factor in Poland’s future within Europe, and the shadow of Trump's endorsement will undoubtedly influence how that relationship unfolds. The election result underscores a growing desire among some segments of the Polish population for a stronger national identity and a more assertive role on the world stage, even if it means challenging established norms and potentially isolating the country from its European neighbors.