Poland stands at a crossroads after the first round of the 2025 presidential election. The stage is set for a high-stakes runoff between liberal, pro-European candidate Rafał Trzaskowski and right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) contender Karol Nawrocki. In a powerful statement, Mateusz Gwóźdź, International Officer of Młodzi Nowocześni (Nowoczesna Youth), warns of the gravity of this moment, not only for Poland’s democratic future, but for the broader liberal movement across Europe.
While Trzaskowski leads by a narrow margin, the strong showing of far-right candidates, who gained over 21% of the vote, has revealed a growing wave of nationalism and illiberal sentiment, especially among younger voters. The upcoming second round on 1st June could determine whether Poland moves forward with long-awaited reforms on civil rights, judicial independence, and democratic accountability, or regresses further into illiberal rule.
This election is about the fight between progress and populism. Nowoczesna Youth calls on Europe’s liberal allies to remain engaged, amplify their message, and stand in solidarity as Poland faces one of the most consequential votes in its modern history.
Member Statement from Nowoczesna Youth on the 2025 Polish Presidential Elections