Pro-Trump conservative wins Polish presidential poll

Conservative pro-Trump candidate Karol Nawrocki has won Poland's presidential runoff election in a blow to the reform agenda of the pro-European government.

Nawrocki secured just under 51 per cent of the vote in a very tight race against liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafa? Trzaskowski, who received just over 49 per cent, the electoral commission said.

The close race had Poland on edge since a first round two weeks earlier and through the night into Monday, revealing deep divisions in the country along the eastern flank of NATO and the European Union.

The vote was seen as a test of the nation's support for a pro-European course versus US President Donald Trump-style nationalism.

Nawrocki, 42, a eurosceptic historian and amateur boxer who ran a national remembrance institute, campaigned on a promise to ensure economic and social policies favour Poles over other nationalities, including refugees from neighbouring Ukraine.

The amateur boxer's victory comes despite his past dominating the last days of the presidential campaign - from questions over his acquisition of a flat from a pensioner to an admission that he took part in orchestrated brawls.

Nawrocki, a historian who has never held public office, represents the Law and Justice party and will succeed incumbent president Andrzej Duda. Duda is an ally of the largest opposition party, whose policies include blocking any attempts by the government to liberalise abortion or reform the judiciary.

Duda thanked Poles for going to vote in large numbers. Turnout was 71.31 per cent, the electoral commission said, a record for the second round of a presidential election.

"Thank you! For participating in the presidential elections. For the turnout. For fulfilling your civic duty. For taking responsibility for Poland. Congratulations to the winner! Stay strong Poland!" Duda wrote on X.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Nawrocki and said she was convinced the EU could continue its "very good co-operation" with Poland.

"We are all stronger together in our community of peace, democracy, and values. So let us work to ensure the security and prosperity of our common home," von der Leyen said in a post on X.

with dpa and Reuters