The shift to the right in Poland has raised concerns about the EU’s trade goals and the allocation of funds for Warsaw, officials revealed. The victory of nationalist Karol Nawrocki in the presidential election has caused alarm in Brussels, as it may hinder the country’s pro-EU government led by Donald Tusk, impede necessary reforms for EU funds, and potentially block a trade deal with Mercosur countries. Nawrocki, known for his “Poland First” slogan, has criticized EU policies and is expected to align with other sovereigntist leaders like Viktor Orbán in opposing Brussels. The EU had previously frozen funds due to concerns about the rule of law under the Law and Justice party, but unlocked them after Tusk’s government promised reforms. However, Nawrocki’s opposition to these reforms raises doubts about Poland’s commitment to the rule of law and the flow of EU funds. This development could also weaken Tusk’s power and influence on key issues like the Mercosur trade deal. Eurosceptic voices in the region, including Nawrocki, are growing stronger, posing challenges for EU integration efforts.
Matteo Salvini, Italy’s far-right deputy prime minister, celebrated the “exciting development from Poland.”
Nawrocki had been “recognized by the open and democratic vote of Polish citizens, with full respect to the bureaucrats in Brussels and to all the media outlets that have labeled him as an extremist for days,” Salvini stated on Monday.
Additional insights provided by Amy Kazmin in Rome and Andy Bounds in Brussels