National conservative historian Karol Nawrocki has been sworn in as Poland’s new president following his victory in the June 1 election, which dealt a major blow to the pro-EU government.
Nawrocki, 42, an ally of U.S. president Donald Trump, took the oath of office in front of Polish MPs on Wednesday to begin his five-year mandate.
Nawrocki won the presidential election with the support of the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, which governed Poland from 2015 to 2023.
While he has pledged to continue Poland’s support for neighbouring Ukraine against Russia, he has denounced the benefits given to Ukrainians in Poland.
He said in a campaign video in April that ”social benefits will be above all for Poles” and that “in queues for doctors and clinics, Polish citizens must have priority.”
In May, he claimed Ukraine “has not shown gratitude for what Poles have done” and accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of “insolence.”
He also opposes Ukraine’s bid to join NATO.
After speaking with Nawrocki last week, Zelensky said he looked forward to working together with the Polish leader.
Nawrocki is a supporter of Donald Trump and has said Poland should focus on shaping and leading Europe’s relations with the U.S. president.
