Has Karol Nawrocki’s first year as Poland’s president been a success?

President Karol Nawrocki of Poland has effectively utilized his constitutional powers to act as a powerful opposition to the liberal government, marking the first year of his presidency as largely successful. Despite being a lesser-known conservative, Nawrocki secured his position in a surprising victory over the candidate from the Civic Coalition, the dominant governing party. This win led to a period of tension, termed "cohabitation," between his administration and the liberal-led government.

Nawrocki has issued more vetoes than any other Polish president in history, issuing 37 in just ten months, a record that surpassed the 35 vetoes issued by previous president Aleksander Kwaśniewski. His vetoes mainly revolved around legislative issues, including judicial reforms, which the PiS government wanted to roll back. This legislative obstruction, along with the political authority he gained from his strong electoral mandate, allowed Nawrocki to frustrate the government's agenda until the 2027 parliamentary elections.

In foreign policy, Nawrocki pursued an assertive approach that often diverged from the government's stance. He strengthened ties with the United States, particularly with the Trump administration, and took a more transactional stance towards Ukraine, opposing rapid EU and NATO accession for the country while highlighting historical grievances. Despite some criticisms, these moves reflected the shifting Polish public opinion about Ukraine.

Overall, Nawrocki's presidency has been characterized by assertive moves that have resisted the liberal government's agenda and solidified his role as a leading figure on the Polish right, despite the fragmentation within the conservative camp.