Decisive Polish Presidential Runoff: A Clash of Ideologies and EU Relations at Stake

Poland entered a critical juncture on Sunday as citizens voted in a presidential runoff that could define the nation's political trajectory and its relations with the European Union. The race pits liberal pro-EU Warsaw Mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski, against Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian endorsed by the right-wing Law and Justice party.

The decisive contest is set to determine whether Poland continues on its current nationalist path or pivots towards a more liberal, democratic future. With conservative President Andrzej Duda's term concluding, the incoming president will have the power to influence Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist reforms. Voting is set to close at 9 p.m., with final results expected Monday.

The campaign has underscored significant ideological divides, with Trzaskowski advocating for judicial independence and closer EU ties, while Nawrocki emphasizes traditional values and skepticism towards the EU. Allegations of Nawrocki's past ties to criminal figures have not deterred his supporters, who view them as politically driven.

(With inputs from agencies.)