On August 6, 2025, Poland’s political landscape shifted dramatically as Karol Nawrocki, a historian with little prior political experience, was sworn in as the country’s new president. The ceremony, held before the National Assembly—a joint session of the Sejm and Senate—was more than a routine transfer of power. Nawrocki’s inaugural address signaled a bold, contentious new direction for Poland, one that could reshape its relationship with the European Union, its domestic legal framework, and its regional alliances for years to come.
Nawrocki wasted no time in laying out his ambitions. According to BBC reports, he vowed to rewrite the Polish constitution in order to "reassert Poland’s sovereignty." While he stopped short of providing a detailed blueprint for these reforms, his message was unequivocal: Poland, under his leadership, would push back against what he described as overreach from Brussels. He declared his intention to limit the areas in which the European Union can influence Poland’s policies, and made it clear that he is resolutely against adopting the euro to replace the national currency, the zloty.
"The Polish constitution has been violated so regularly that we, as the political class, must begin working on solutions for a new constitution that will be ready for adoption, I hope and believe, in 2030," Nawrocki stated in his address. The timeline may seem distant, but the implications are immediate. The president’s veto power—especially potent since the centrist, pro-EU government of Donald Tusk came to power in 2023—means Nawrocki can block legislation and promote bills of his own initiative. This gives him considerable leverage, despite the fact that his party does not currently hold a parliamentary majority.
Nawrocki’s rise to the presidency comes at a time of political tension and division in Poland. His predecessor, Andrzej Duda, was a stalwart of the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS), which governed Poland for eight years. That era was marked by deepening rifts with the European Union, especially over judicial reforms and social policies, such as the country’s strict abortion laws. The 2023 general election saw a shift, with Donald Tusk’s centrist coalition taking power and pledging to restore EU relations and roll back some of PiS’s more controversial changes.
But Nawrocki, who ran as an independent closely aligned with PiS, is now poised to be a formidable counterweight to the Tusk government. His proposal to rewrite the constitution is a direct challenge to the current parliamentary majority. However, passing such sweeping reforms will be no easy feat. As Reuters notes, he would need a two-thirds majority in parliament—an unlikely prospect given the current political makeup. Deputy Prime Minister Krzystof Gawkowski minced no words on X (formerly Twitter), calling Nawrocki’s speech "definitely a bad start" and making it clear that his coalition party, the Left, would not cooperate: "there will be no cooperation here."
This political standoff could last until the next general election in 2027. If PiS manages a comeback, Nawrocki may finally have the parliamentary support he needs to realize his vision. Until then, Poland faces the prospect of gridlock on some of the most significant constitutional questions in decades.
Meanwhile, Poland’s role on the international stage remains as crucial as ever, particularly in the context of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Just two days after Nawrocki’s swearing-in, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Facebook to announce that he and Donald Tusk had agreed to coordinate their countries’ actions for "common European interests." According to Ukrinform, Zelensky had recently spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump and other European leaders to discuss available diplomatic options, emphasizing the need for strong foundations for security and independence across the region.
"A reliable peace is essential for all, and I am grateful for the readiness to help along this path," Zelensky wrote. The Ukrainian leader also highlighted the importance of Poland’s continued support, particularly as Ukraine and Moldova move forward in negotiations to join the European Union. "Donald and I agreed that the first negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova should be opened simultaneously. Ukraine and Moldova began this path together and must continue along it together," he stated, thanking Poland for its steadfast backing.
But it’s not just high-level diplomacy at stake. Zelensky and Tusk discussed recent regulatory changes in Poland that have affected Ukrainian students and applicants to Polish universities—a reminder that the war’s impact reaches deep into the lives of ordinary people. "During such a war, any difficulties for children, students are felt especially painfully. I asked Donald to consider this situation and help Ukrainian youth," Zelensky said. His appeal underscores the human cost of conflict and the ripple effects of policy decisions made in Warsaw.
In his first conversation with Nawrocki, Zelensky expressed hope that Poland would remain a "reliable partner and ally of Ukraine." The sentiment is shared widely in Kyiv, where Poland’s role as a logistical and diplomatic bridge to the West has been indispensable since Russia’s invasion. Yet, Nawrocki’s nationalist stance and skepticism toward deeper EU integration could introduce new uncertainties into this vital relationship.
For the Tusk government, Nawrocki’s presidency presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, his veto power and legislative initiative could stymie efforts to align Poland more closely with EU norms, particularly on issues like judicial independence and social policy. On the other, the potential for a protracted stalemate may give Tusk and his allies time to consolidate their position and build broader public support for their agenda.
Poland’s political drama is unfolding against the backdrop of a Europe grappling with questions of sovereignty, integration, and security. The country’s internal debates about constitutional reform and its relationship with the EU mirror broader tensions across the continent, as nations navigate the delicate balance between national identity and collective action. The outcome of these struggles in Poland will have implications far beyond its borders, influencing the trajectory of European politics at a time of profound uncertainty.
As summer 2025 draws to a close, Poles—and their neighbors—are left to ponder what comes next. Will Nawrocki’s vision of a more sovereign Poland take root, or will the current parliamentary majority hold the line against sweeping constitutional change? Can Warsaw maintain its crucial support for Ukraine while navigating a new era of political division at home? The answers to these questions will shape not only Poland’s future, but the fate of Europe itself.
For now, one thing is certain: the stakes have rarely been higher, and the world is watching closely as Poland charts its course through a turbulent new chapter.
