Karol Nawrocki

Karol Nawrocki was born on 3 March 1983, in Gdańsk, where he completed primary school and the 4th High School.{{Cite web |last=Jarzębski |first=Marcin |title=Kim jest Karol Nawrocki? Wszystkie tajemnice kandydata |trans-title=Who is Karol Nawrocki? All the Secrets of the Candidate |url=https://wszystkoconajwazniejsze.pl/pepites/kim-jest-karol-nawrocki-wszystkie-tajemnice-kandydata/ |access-date=2 June 2025 |website=Wszystko co najważniejsze |language=pl-pl}} After passing his final exams (matura) in 2002, he graduated in 2003 from the Post-Secondary School of Business and Administration in Gdańsk with the title of Personnel Management Specialist. In the same year, he began his university studies at Faculty of History at the University of Gdańsk, which he completed in 2008 with a master’s degree.{{cite web |author= |date= 28 April 2021|title=Dr Karol Nawrocki, a graduate of the Faculty of History of the University of Gdańsk, won the competition for the chairperson of IPN |url=https://ug.edu.pl/news/en/1187/dr-karol-nawrocki-graduate-faculty-history-university-gdansk-won-competition-chairperson-ipn |accessdate=23 December 2021}}

At the same institute, he obtained a PhD in the humanities based on his dissertation titled: Social Resistance to Communist Rule in the Elbląg Voivodeship, 1976–1989. In 2023, he completed the International MBA in Strategy, Programme and Project Management postgraduate studies at the Gdańsk University of Technology.{{cite web|title=Prezes Instytutu Pamięci Narodowej|url=https://ipn.gov.pl/pl/o-ipn/struktura/prezes/147361,Prezes-Instytutu-Pamieci-Narodowej.html |access-date=28 April 2023}} He worked at the Institute of National Remembrance in the years 2009–2017, heading its Branch Public Education Office in Gdańsk from 2013 to 2017. He also served as the chairman of the Siedlce District Council in Gdańsk between 2011 and 2017.{{cite web |title=Karol Nawrocki, Ph.D. President of the Institute of National Remembrance |website=Institute of National Remembrance |url=https://ipn.gov.pl/en/about-the-institute/the-president-and-deput/8204,Karol-Nawrocki-PhD.html |access-date=23 December 2021 }}

In 2017, he was appointed the director of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk,{{cite web |title=Karol Nawrocki, PhD, reappointed as director of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk |url=https://muzeum1939.pl/en/karol-nawrocki-phd-reappointed-director-museum-second-world-war-gdansk/3827.html |access-date=23 December 2021}} a job he held until 2021. He then returned to the Institute of National Remembrance, becoming its deputy president in June 2021.{{cite web|author=|title=IPN. Karol Nawrocki appointed vice-president of the Institute of National Remembrance|url=https://polishnews.co.uk/ipn-karol-nawrocki-appointed-vice-president-of-the-institute-of-national-remembrance/ |access-date=23 December 2021|archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223205642/https://polishnews.co.uk/ipn-karol-nawrocki-appointed-vice-president-of-the-institute-of-national-remembrance/ }} In July 2021, he took office as the head of the Institute of National Remembrance after being elected by the Sejm and approved by the Senate of Poland.{{cite web|author=|title=Karol Nawrocki appointed new head of Institute of National Remembrance |url=https://tvpworld.com/55011702/karol-nawrocki-appointed-new-head-of-institute-of-national-remembrance |access-date=23 December 2021 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223205644/https://tvpworld.com/55011702/karol-nawrocki-appointed-new-head-of-institute-of-national-remembrance }} Nawrocki is the author or co-author of several books as well as numerous scientific and popular science papers on anticommunist opposition, organised crime in the Polish People's Republic and the history of sports.

Nawrocki has used the pen name "Tadeusz Batyr" to write a book about a gangster living in 1980s communist Poland.{{cite news |last1=Vernon |first1=Will |title=Polish presidential candidate ridiculed for donning disguise to promote book |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78e8n2699no |access-date=29 March 2025 |work=BBC News |date=29 March 2025}} Nawrocki in 2018 went on television as Tadeusz Batyr, wearing a hat and having the television broadcast blur his face, where he said that Nawrocki "inspired me" and highlighted how Nawrocki "was the first person to examine organised crime in communist Poland." Meanwhile, on social media, Nawrocki wrote that "Tadeusz Batyr contacted me for some guidance" and "thanked me for my help with an interesting book, which I recommend."

On 2024-11-24, at the {{ill|Sokół Gymnastics Society Building|pl|Budynek Towarzystwa Gimnastycznego „Sokół” w Krakowie}}, during a civic congress organised by Law and Justice, Nawrocki was announced by Andrzej Nowak as an independent candidate supported by the party in the 2025 presidential election.{{cite web|author = Polsat News |title= Pierwsza wypowiedź Karola Nawrockiego. Jego wejście zapowiedział syn |date = 24 November 2024 |accessdate = 24 November 2024 |publisher= PolsatNews.pl |url = https://www.polsatnews.pl/wiadomosc/2024-11-24/niespodziewana-zapowiedz-ze-sceny-chwile-pozniej-przemowil-nawrocki/}}{{cite web|title= Niespodzianka na kongresie PiS. Znamy kandydata na prezydenta |date = 24 November 2024 |accessdate = 24 November 2024 |publisher= Business Insider Polska |url = https://businessinsider.com.pl/wiadomosci/niespodzianka-na-kongresie-pis-znamy-kandydata-na-prezydenta/y4wz1fw}}{{cite web|author=|title=Poland's conservative opposition party taps historian as presidential candidate |website=Associated Press News |date=24 November 2024 |url=https://apnews.com/article/poland-presidential-election-law-justice-kaczynski-eafa3438dbe05e89c31a88033c2ed64d |access-date=24 November 2024 }} He finished second in the first round held on 18 May 2025 with 29.54% of the vote, and faced Civic Platform candidate Rafał Trzaskowski in a runoff on 1 June.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgegn1ggxn8o |title=Warsaw's liberal mayor leads Polish presidential vote – exit poll |publisher=BBC |date=19 May 2025 |access-date=19 May 2025}}

On 2 May 2025, Nawrocki met with Donald Trump in the Oval Office.{{Cite web |last=Zalewski |first=Tomasz |date=2 May 2025 |title="You will win". Nawrocki spotkał się z Trumpem w Białym Domu, prawica triumfuje |url=https://www.polityka.pl/tygodnikpolityka/swiat/2298771,1,you-will-win-nawrocki-spotkal-sie-z-trumpem-w-bialym-domu-prawica-triumfuje.read |access-date=2 May 2025 |website=www.polityka.pl |language=pl}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/trump-meets-polish-nationalist-candidate-ahead-presidential-election-2025-05-02/|title=Trump meets Polish nationalist candidate ahead of presidential election|website=Reuters|date=2 May 2025 |accessdate=1 June 2025}} On 22 May 2025, Nawrocki met with Sławomir Mentzen, who placed third in the first round of the election. They reportedly discussed possible concessions that could lead to Mentzen endorsing Nawrocki.{{Cite web |last=Zygiel |first=Adam |date=20 May 2025 |title=Mentzen zaprasza Trzaskowskiego i Nawrockiego. Chce deklaracji |url=https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/mentzen-zaprasza-trzaskowskiego-i-nawrockiego-chce-deklaracji-7158707132353216a |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=WP Wiadomości |language=Polish}} Mentzen presented a set of eight points{{efn|The declaration included commitments to not allow for:{{bulletlist|the introduction of new taxes or increasing existing ones|introduction of the Euro in Poland|the restricting of freedom of speech, abiding by the constitution|sending soldiers to Ukrainian territory|allowing Ukrainian accession to NATO|the restricting of access to arms for private citizens|transfer of additional powers to European Union institutions|signing of European Union treaties that would weaken Poland}}}} for a candidate to sign onto,{{cite news |title=Osiem punktów Mentzena. Co mówili o tym Nawrocki i Trzaskowski |url=https://konkret24.tvn24.pl/polityka/osiem-punktow-mentzena-co-mowili-o-tym-nawrocki-i-trzaskowski-st8471030 |access-date=21 May 2025}} which were signed by Nawrocki.{{Cite web|url=https://notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/22/polish-opposition-presidential-candidate-signs-far-right-leaders-list-of-demands/|title=Polish opposition presidential candidate signs far-right leader's list of demands|first=Daniel|last=Tilles|date=22 May 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://tvpworld.com/86856114/polish-presidential-candidate-nawrocki-backs-hard-right-platform-in-bid-for-support|title=Polish presidential candidate Nawrocki embraces hard-right demands|website=TVP World}}{{cite news |date=22 May 2025 |title=Wybory prezydenckie 2025. Nawrocki podpisał deklarację u Mentzena |url=https://www.gazetaprawna.pl/wiadomosci/kraj/artykuly/9805543,wybory-prezydenckie-2025-nawrocki-podpisal-deklaracje-u-mentzena.html |access-date=22 May 2025}} Former candidates Marek Jakubiak and Marek Woch endorsed Nawrocki for the runoff.{{cite news |date=19 May 2025 |title= "Sprawa oczywista". Jakubiak po ogłoszeniu wyników: Od początku o tym mówię |url=https://dorzeczy.pl/opinie/728628/jakubiak-apeluje-o-glosowanie-na-nawrockiego.html |access-date=19 May 2025}}{{cite news |date=28 May 2025 |title=Marek Woch na scenie w Końskich. "Popieram Karola Nawrockiego" |url=https://tvrepublika.pl/Polityka/Marek-Woch-Popieram-Karola-Nawrockiego/189886 |access-date=28 May 2025}} On 1 June 2025, Nawrocki won the runoff election with 50.89% of votes, beating Trzaskowski, who received 49.11% of votes.{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=2 June 2025 |title=Poland Elects Karol Nawrocki as President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/02/world/europe/poland-presidential-election-karol-nawrocki.html |access-date=2 June 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Nawrocki's campaign's platform was described as "patriotic, pro-Christian, pro-NATO and favorable to president Donald Trump".{{cite web |date=24 November 2024 |title=Polish opposition party chooses historian Karol Nawrocki as presidential candidate |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/11/24/polish-opposition-party-chooses-historian-karol-nawrocki-as-presidential-candidate |website=Euronews |language=pl}}File:Karol Nawrocki 2025 presidential campaign.png

Speculation swiftly began on whether PiS would replace Nawrocki when it was revealed that he had contact with a future criminal as part of his time as a boxer two decades prior, for which he was attacked by opposing politicians.{{Cite web |date=7 December 2024 |last=Niemasz |first=Aleksandra |title=Znajomości z gangsterem. "Nasze relacje były publiczne" |url=https://www.fakt.pl/polityka/kontrowersyjne-relacje-nawrockiego-tak-tlumaczy-znajomosc-z-gangsterem/jhezbqd |access-date=14 December 2024}} Polling showed, however, that the vast plurality of people did not expect Nawrocki to be replaced.{{Cite web |date=7 December 2024 |title=Sondaż: Kto mógłby zastąpić Karola Nawrockiego jako kandydat PiS na prezydenta? |url=https://www.rp.pl/polityka/art41551501-sondaz-kto-moglby-zastapic-karola-nawrockiego-jako-kandydat-pis-na-prezydenta |access-date=14 December 2024}} Nawrocki would continue being PiS' presidential candidate going into the first round and would face further controversies about his private life. Nawrocki accused the ruling coalition of "sexualizing children", demonstratively throwing a copy of the cover of Gender Queer: A Memoir into a paper shredder.{{cite news |date=28 January 2025 |title=Karol Nawrocki niszczy komiks, MSN stawia sprawę jasno. "Chcemy stać za człowiekiem" |url=https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/warszawa/karol-nawrocki-niszczy-komiks-muzeum-odpowiada-chcemy-stac-za-czlowiekiem/0php2bw |access-date=13 February 2025}}

At the party conference on 2 March, Nawrocki declared the election a "referendum on rejecting Tusk",{{cite news |date=2 March 2025 |last=Mężyński |first=Andrzej |title=Nawrocki ostro: Wybory to referendum za odrzuceniem Tuska. Demokracja warcząca musi się skończyć |url=https://forsal.pl/kraj/polityka/artykuly/9750069,nawrocki-ostro-wybory-to-referendum-za-odrzuceniem-tuska-demokracja.html |access-date=2 March 2025}} which would remain a theme throughout the campaign. During the course of the campaign, public criticism emerged over Nawrocki's acquisition of a second apartment from an elderly man in pre-trial detention. As Nawrocki had declared to own just one apartment during a debate, Onet publicized information about him owning a second one. The candidate proceeded to declare that he had acquired the second apartment from the elderly man for pledging lifelong care in exchange, however it was revealed the man was placed in a state care facility without Nawrocki's involvement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/polish-opposition-presidential-candidate-takes-poll-hit-over-apartment-deal-2025-05-09/|title=Polish opposition presidential candidate takes poll hit over apartment deal|work=Reuters |date=9 May 2025 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rp.pl/polityka/art42240201-nowe-ustalenia-karol-nawrocki-sprzedal-sam-sobie-mieszkanie-jerzego-z|title=Karol Nawrocki sprzedał sobie mieszkanie Jerzego Ż. bez udziału Jerzego Ż.}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rp.pl/polityka/art42228771-drugie-mieszkanie-karola-nawrockiego-co-wiadomo-w-sprawie|title=Drugie mieszkanie Karola Nawrockiego. Co wiadomo w sprawie}}{{Cite web|url=https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/wybory/wybory-prezydenckie/afera-z-kawalerka-karola-nawrockiego-mamy-tutaj-dwie-sprawy/mjzkhgd|title=Afera z kawalerką Karola Nawrockiego. "Mamy tutaj dwie sprawy"|date=12 May 2025|website=Onet Wiadomości}}{{Cite news|title=Nawrocki and the apartment scandal: Can such a person be trusted with the affairs of the country and its citizens?|url= https://www.polityka.pl/tygodnikpolityka/kraj/2299345,1,nawrocki-i-afera-z-mieszkaniem-czy-takiemu-czlowiekowi-mozna-zawierzyc-sprawy-kraju-i-obywateli.read}}{{excessive citations inline|date=May 2025}} Amid accusations of exploitation, Nawrocki defended the deal’s legality and promised to donate the property to charity.{{Cite web|url=https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/wybory/wybory-prezydenckie/ta-organizacja-dostala-mieszkanie-nawrockiego-to-bylo-zaskoczenie/twkysgd|title=Ta organizacja dostała mieszkanie Nawrockiego. "To było zaskoczenie"|date=15 May 2025|website=Onet Wiadomości}}

Throughout the second round, Nawrocki encountered a set of new controversies involving his personal life, beginning with the revelation that he had previously participated in a 70 vs 70 football hooligans' fight ({{langx|pl|ustawka}}) between fans of Lechia Gdańsk and Lech Poznań.{{cite news |date=22 May 2025 |title=Burza wokół Karola Nawrockiego. Oto co zarzucił mu Sławomir Mentzen |url=https://przegladsportowy.onet.pl/ofsajd/burza-wokol-karola-nawrockiego-oto-co-zarzucil-mu-slawomir-mentzen/m82ylg9 |access-date=27 May 2025}} Facing criticism, he accused Prime Minister Tusk of likewise participating in football hooliganism in his youth, and called the fights "noble battles".{{citation |date=23 May 2025 |title="Proszę pytać Donalda Tuska". Tak Karol Nawrocki zareagował na pytanie o ustawki |url=https://przegladsportowy.onet.pl/ofsajd/prosze-pytac-donalda-tuska-tak-karol-nawrocki-zareagowal-na-pytanie-o-ustawki/by2fm7n |access-date=27 May 2025}}{{cite news |date=26 May 2025 |last=Gądek |first=Jacek |title=W PiS złość na Nawrockiego. "Zawalił sprawę ustawek", "kręci" |url=https://www.newsweek.pl/polska/polityka/karol-nawrocki-bral-udzial-w-ustawkach-w-pis-zlosc-nie-powinien-krecic/4zdeyhc |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250526124845/https://www.newsweek.pl/polska/polityka/karol-nawrocki-bral-udzial-w-ustawkach-w-pis-zlosc-nie-powinien-krecic/4zdeyhc |archive-date=26 May 2025 |access-date=27 May 2025}} It also came to light that Nawrocki had Chelsea F.C. and Lechia Gdańsk tattoos on his torso.{{cite news |date=24 May 2025 |last=Frątczak |first=Kamil |title=Karol Nawrocki zabrał głos na temat swoich tatuaży. Usunął jeden z nich |url=https://plejada.pl/newsy/karol-nawrocki-zabral-glos-na-temat-swoich-tatuazy-usunal-jeden-z-nich/x8bdesc |access-date=29 May 2025}} Further controversies about Nawrocki's personal background emerged due to allegations of him having worked as a bodyguard for prostitutes at the five-star Grand Hotel in Sopot in his youth{{Cite web|url=https://tvpworld.com/86920821/polish-presidential-candidate-denies-claims-he-pimped-hookers|title=Polish presidential candidate denies claims he pimped hookers|first=Telewizja Polska|last=S.A|website=tvpworld.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/26/conservative-polish-presidential-candidate-denies-claims-of-procuring-prostitutes/|title=Conservative Polish presidential candidate denies claims of procuring prostitutes|first=Daniel|last=Tilles|date=26 May 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/wybory/wybory-prezydenckie/karol-nawrocki-i-tajemnice-grand-hotelu-zrodla-onetu-uczestniczyl-w-procederze/kqwwbef|title=Karol Nawrocki i tajemnice Grand Hotelu|date=26 May 2025|website=Onet Wiadomości}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Tajemnice-Nawrockiego-i-Grand-Hotelu-W-tle-zamawianie-prostytutek-8948653.html|title=Tajemnice Nawrockiego i Grand Hotelu, w tle zamawianie prostytutek. Kandydat zapowiada pozew|first=Jacek|last=Misztal|date=26 May 2025|website=Bankier.pl}}{{Cite web|url=https://oko.press/nawrocki-prostytutki-grand-hotel-sopot|title=Nawrocki i prostytutki w sopockim Grand Hotelu. Dlaczego nie będzie pozwu w trybie wyborczym?|website=oko.press}} and using snus while on air during presidential debate,{{Cite web|url=https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/artykul/3528782,controversy%C2%A0after-conservative%C2%A0candidate-uses-nicotine-pouch-during-polish-presidential-debate|title=Controversy after conservative candidate uses nicotine pouch during Polish presidential debate - English Section|website=www.polskieradio.pl}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Nawrocki-na-dopalaczach-Po-debacie-wzroslo-zainteresowanie-woreczkami-nikotynowymi-8949051.html|title=Nawrocki na dopalaczach. Po debacie wzrosło zainteresowanie woreczkami nikotynowymi|date=27 May 2025|website=Bankier.pl}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazetaprawna.pl/wiadomosci/kraj/artykuly/9807189,snus-przebil-sie-na-debacie-prezydenckiej-czym-jest-uzywka-karola-naw.html|title=Karol Nawrocki nie może wytrzymać debaty prezydenckiej bez snusa? Oto dlaczego to problem|date=24 May 2025|website=www.gazetaprawna.pl}} raising allegations of his heavy nicotine addiction.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polskieradio.pl/395/11354/artykul/3528928,nawrocki-caught-repeatedly-using-nicotine-during-live-tv-debates-as-new-evidence-emerges|title=Nawrocki caught repeatedly using nicotine during live TV debates as new evidence emerges - English Section|website=www.polskieradio.pl}}{{Cite web|url=https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/wybory/wybory-prezydenckie/nowy-sondaz-polacy-zapytani-o-snus-i-ustawki-karola-nawrockiego/hmwtrw5|title=Polacy zapytani o snus i ustawki Karola Nawrockiego. Większość wskazała jedną odpowiedź|date=26 May 2025|website=Onet Wiadomości}}

File:President Donald Trump meets with and poses for a photo with Polish presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki (54491997735).jpg, May 2025]]

Nawrocki is considered a nonpartisan, but with a conservative outlook.{{cite web |url=https://radio.opole.pl/100,889475,karol-nawrocki-kandydatem-pis-ale-obywatelskim-n |title=Karol Nawrocki "kandydatem PiS, ale obywatelskim" na prezydenta RP |language=pl |date=25 November 2024 |first=Katarzyna |last=Plewnia |website=Radio Opole}} Nawrocki describes himself as a "representative of the broadly defined patriotic camp", and stresses that he has never belonged to a political party.{{cite web |last=Niemasz |first=Aleksandra |date=25 November 2024 |title=Wystarczyło kilka pytań, by zapędzić Nawrockiego w kozi róg. "Kot w worku" |url=https://www.fakt.pl/polityka/na-te-pytania-nawrocki-nie-chcial-odpowiadac-wiem-ale-nie-powiem/43exr8n |website=fakt.pl |language=pl}} He considers himself "a civic candidate" that will end the "Polish-Polish war".{{cite web |url=https://tvn24.pl/tvn24-news-in-english/poland-s-pis-party-backs-ipn-chief-karol-nawrocki-as-presidential-nominee-st8194793 |title=PiS presidential nominee Karol Nawrocki: I'm running as a civic candidate |date=24 November 2024 |language=pl |website=TVN24}} He declared that he is ready to support "any Polish government that demands the exhumation of Polish victims in Volhynia", and describes issues of history and social accountability as his "demarcation lines".{{cite web |url=https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/jest-kandydatem-na-prezydenta-kim-jest-karol-nawrocki |title=To on jest kandydatem na prezydenta. Kim jest Karol Nawrocki? |date=24 November 2025 |language=pl |website=pap.pl}} Euronews describes the political alignment of Nawrocki's campaign as "patriotic, pro-Christian, pro-NATO and favourable to president Donald Trump".{{cite web |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/11/24/polish-opposition-party-chooses-historian-karol-nawrocki-as-presidential-candidate |title=Polish opposition party chooses historian Karol Nawrocki as presidential candidate |date=24 November 2024 |language=pl |website=Euronews}}

Nawrocki is a Roman Catholic with culturally conservative views and accused the ruling coalition and LGBT groups of "sexualizing children", demonstratively throwing a copy of the cover of Gender Queer: A Memoir into a paper shredder during the 2025 campaign.{{cite news |last= Easton |first= Adam |date= 2 June 2025 |title= Poland's conservative president-elect to be tough opponent for PM |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crk28vm77d6o |work= BBC News |access-date= 2 June 2025}}{{cite news |date=28 January 2025 |title=Karol Nawrocki niszczy komiks, MSN stawia sprawę jasno. "Chcemy stać za człowiekiem" |url=https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/warszawa/karol-nawrocki-niszczy-komiks-muzeum-odpowiada-chcemy-stac-za-czlowiekiem/0php2bw |access-date=13 February 2025}} Nawrocki supports maintaining close ties between the Catholic Church in Poland and the Polish government, the broad criminalization of abortion, and opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriage, civil unions or extending legal rights to people in same-sex relationships, citing Catholic sexual ethics.{{Cite web |last=mp |date=9 January 2025 |title=Karol Nawrocki on Abortion and Civil Partnerships: A Controversial Stance in the Presidential Race |url=https://polanddaily24.com/karol-nawrocki-on-abortion-and-civil-partnerships-a-controversial-stance-in-the-presidential-race/global-politics/50238 |access-date=1 June 2025 |website=PolandDaily24.com |language=en-US}} Geopolitically, he supports further strengthening Polish ties to the United States and NATO while opposing European integration.

He stresses his commitment to Polish patriotism, Christian values and national sovereignty, and has declared the need to defend traditional social values. He has stated his strong opposition to removal of crosses from state buildings.{{cite web |url=https://notesfrompoland.com/2024/11/24/polish-opposition-picks-non-party-candidate-for-presidential-election/ |title=Polish opposition picks non-party candidate for presidential election |date=24 November 2024 |language=pl |website=notesfrompoland.com}} He holds anti-communist views, and has criticized the Polish education system, claiming that Polish education is controlled by the "post-communist party environment". He was responsible for removing several Red Army monuments in Poland, considered a criminal act by Russia, which put him on its national wanted list. He has described cursed soldiers as national heroes of Poland, and praised Law and Justice for implementing a national remembrance day in their honour.{{cite web |url=https://www.salon24.pl/newsroom/1413387,oto-najwazniejsze-obietnice-i-poglady-kandydatow-trzaskowski-nawrocki-mentzen-holownia |title=Oto najważniejsze obietnice i poglądy kandydatów. Trzaskowski, Nawrocki, Mentzen, Hołownia |date=25 November 2024 |language=pl |website=salon24.pl}}

He declared himself an opponent of the EU's migration policy and announced his intention to terminate the EU's migration pact.{{cite web|access-date=23 May 2025 |date=28 February 2025 |title=Nawrocki: Jak zostanę prezydentem, jednostronnie wypowiem pakt migracyjny |url=https://www.gazetaprawna.pl/wiadomosci/kraj/artykuly/9734661,nawrocki-jak-zostane-prezydentem-jednostronnie-wypowiem-pakt-migracy.html |website=gazetaprawna.pl}}

On economic matters, Nawrocki describes himself as a strong supporter of armaments and social investment programs. In a speech in which he accepted Law and Justice's endorsement for his candidacy, Nawrocki pledged to abolish all overtime labor tax and to focus on large economic investments; he strongly supports the Central Communication Port project, and praised the Central Industrial Region and Stocznia Gdynia schemes developed in the interwar Second Polish Republic.{{cite web |url=https://biznes.interia.pl/gospodarka/news-karol-nawrocki-o-gospodarce-jest-gorzej-obiecuje-zwolnienie-,nId,7862539 |title=Karol Nawrocki o gospodarce. "Jest gorzej". Obiecuje zwolnienie z podatku |date=24 November 2024 |language=pl |website=interia.pl |first=Katarzyna |last=Dybińska}} Nawrocki expressed his fascination with other large investments such as the Vistula Spit canal and Świnoujście LNG terminal, and wants to pursue similar undertakings.{{cite web |url=https://eng.ipn.gov.pl/en/news/11613,ARTICLE-by-Karol-Nawrocki-PhD-quotThe-Polish-Anchor-of-Freedomquot.html |title=The Polish Anchor of Freedom |date=9 November 2024 |first=Karol |last=Nawrocki |website=Institute of National Remembrance}}

He supports welfare programs and opposes adopting the Euro as Poland's currency.{{cite web |url=https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Trzaskowski-czy-Nawrocki-ktory-prezydent-blizszy-gospodarce-8851460.html |title=Trzaskowski czy Nawrocki: który prezydent bliższy gospodarce? |date=26 November 2024 |website=bankier.pl |language=pl |first=Marcin |last=Materna}} He stresses the lack of transport in Poland and has pledged to develop rail infrastructure in underdeveloped regions of the country.{{cite web |url=https://www.rp.pl/polityka/art41493771-karol-nawrocki-rozpoczal-kampanie-powiedzial-ze-polacy-kochaja-kolej |title=Karol Nawrocki rozpoczął kampanię. Powiedział, że Polacy kochają kolej |date=25 November 2024 |language=pl |website=Rzeczpospolita}} Nawrocki proposes to enact an additional tax on the owners of three and more apartments, with an exemption for families with children.{{cite web |url=https://biznes.interia.pl/nieruchomosci/news-nawrocki-zmienia-zdanie-w-sprawie-podatku-katastralnego-te-w,nId,7957049#utm_source=paste&utm_medium=paste&utm_campaign=chrome |title=Nawrocki zmienia zdanie w sprawie podatku katastralnego? "Te wypowiedzi są sprzeczne" |date=29 April 2025 |language=pl |first=Monika |last=Krześniak-Sajewicz |website=Interia}}

He objected to the Tusk government's cut in healthcare contributions for businesses, and stated that he would oppose any attempt to reduce healthcare funding.{{cite web |url=https://businessinsider.com.pl/gospodarka/podatki/skladka-zdrowotna-w-debacie-karol-nawrocki-zaskoczyl/6rpckx1 |title=Składka zdrowotna w debacie. Karol Nawrocki zaskoczył |date=12 April 2025 |language=pl |website=Business Insider |first=Jakub |last=Ceglarz}} Nawrocki also signed a list of 11 pledges, including promises to not raise the retirement age, to uphold worker protections, to defend minimum wages, to retain the ban on Sunday business activity, to promote economic patriotism, and to increase funding for the public health service and agriculture. Based on these pledges, he was endorsed by Poland's Solidarity trade union.{{cite web |url=https://notesfrompoland.com/2025/02/13/polands-solidarity-trade-union-endorses-opposition-presidential-candidate/ |title=Poland's Solidarity trade union endorses opposition presidential candidate |date=13 February 2025 |first=Alicja |last=Ptak}} Nawrocki supports additional taxes on "digital giants operating online and targeting Polish users" and the expansion of social housing.{{cite web |url=https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/kraj/latarnik-wyborczy-rafal-trzaskowski-i-karol-nawrocki-zgodni-w-40-proc/227mzmf |title=Latarnik Wyborczy. Rafał Trzaskowski i Karol Nawrocki zgodni w 40 proc. |date=25 April 2025 |language=pl |website=Onet}}

He argues that Poland needs to achieve "full energy sovereignty". He supports nuclear energy, describing it as "the most secure and stable one". He also criticised the European Green Deal, stating that while he supports environmental protection, he opposes "climate madness at the expense of Polish homes, workers and entrepreneurs". Nawrocki also believes that Poland needs to ensure its food security and respect "the sovereignty of the Polish countryside"; he has described rural Poland as "the mainstay of Polish culture, traditions and social values". He wishes to implement new policies that will combat "unfair competition" in the Polish economy.{{cite web |url=https://www.money.pl/podatki/karol-nawrocki-kandydatem-na-prezydenta-zapowiada-ustawy-dla-ratowania-dobrobytu-7096226100034112a.html |title=Karol Nawrocki kandydatem na prezydenta. Zapowiada ustawy "dla ratowania dobrobytu" |date=24 November 2024 |language=pl |website=money.pl}}

Karol Nawrocki has emphasized in his statements that the geopolitical interest of the Polish state lies in pushing back the Russian Federation. He has stated that "Russia is imperialist in its foundation whether it is white terror, red terror or modern terror".{{cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Jakie poglądy ma kandydat na prezydenta Karol Nawrocki? |url=https://wm.pl/1116018,Jakie-poglady-ma-kandydat-na-prezydenta-Karol-Nawrocki.html |website=wm.pl |language=pl}} According to him, the foundation of Poland's security is a strong position within NATO and a close alliance with the United States. He also supports regional alliances such as the Bucharest Nine and favors expanding this format to include Sweden and Finland. Nawrocki is an advocate of increasing defense spending and expanding the army to 300,000 troops. However, he opposes conscription or mandatory military training for young men.

Nawrocki opposes the federalisation of the European Union and stresses the need to maintain Polish national identity within the European Union, adding that "Poland does not need a centralised state populated by EU citizens of Polish origin". Nawrocki criticized what he considered to be the overly submissive policy of Donald Tusk’s government toward Germany. He advocated for the restoration of a balanced and partnership-based relationship between the two countries. He also demands World War II reparations from Germany for material losses and war crimes committed in occupied Poland.

He supports ending the Russo-Ukrainian War by a peace agreement, but argues that the issue of territorial cessions should be decided by the European community as well as Ukraine itself. Nawrocki opposed the deployment of Polish troops to Ukraine. He supported the normalization of relations with Ukraine on a basis of partnership, as well as the recognition and dignified burial of Polish victims in Volhynia. Nawrocki is opposed to Ukrainian membership in NATO or the European Union until Ukraine accepts responsibility for the genocide of Poles in Volhynia. He has previously denounced attempts to downplay the 1943–1945 massacres of Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia for the sake of improving Polish-Ukrainian relations.{{cite news|work=Kyiv Post|title=Polish Opposition Presidential Candidate Sees Ukraine Neither in NATO Nor in the EU|date=10 January 2025|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/45190}} He would seek to punish the glorification of Ukrainian nationalist leader Stepan Bandera.{{cite news |title=Conservative presidential candidate Nawrocki responds to demands of radical-right rival Braun |url=https://notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/26/conservative-presidential-candidate-nawrocki-responds-to-demands-of-radical-right-rival-braun/ |work=Notes from Poland |date=26 May 2025}}

He was criticized in Israel for downplaying the role of Poles in the Holocaust.{{cite news |title=Conservative Holocaust revisionist Karol Nawrocki wins Polish presidential election |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/conservative-holocaust-revisionist-karol-nawrocki-wins-polish-presidential-election/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=2 June 2025}} Nawrocki said he would defend Poland "against all disgusting attacks" by Holocaust scholars.{{cite news |last1=Bartov |first1=Shira Li |title=Poland votes for its next president, with Polish-Jewish history on the ballot |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-856126 |publisher=The Jerusalem Post |date=31 May 2025}} During the election campaign, he refrained from criticizing Israel.{{cite news |title=Wybory prezydenckie 2025. Izraelskie media komentują zwycięstwo Karola Nawrockiego |url=https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/wybory/wybory-prezydenckie/izraelskie-media-komentuja-zwyciestwo-karola-nawrockiego/fx683e8 |work=Onet.pl |agency=Polska Agencja Prasowa |date=2 June 2025}}

Karol Nawrocki is married to Marta Nawrocka (born in 1986), a graduate of the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Gdańsk and an employee of the National Revenue Administration.{{Cite web |date=2 June 2025 |title=Oto nowa pierwsza dama. Kim jest Marta Nawrocka? |url=https://businessinsider.com.pl/lifestyle/marta-nawrocka-kim-jest-zona-karola-nawrockiego-wiek-wyksztalcenie-praca-dzieci/jhl21dx |access-date=2 June 2025 |website=Business Insider Polska |language=pl}} She specializes in the control of the oil industry and combating illegal trade. Together, they have two children: son Antoni and a daughter, Katarzyna. They also raised Daniel (born in 2003), Marta Nawrocka’s son from a previous relationship. The couple married in 2010, and Karol Nawrocki adopted Daniel.

Daniel Nawrocki studies at the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Gdańsk. He is involved in journalism, working for Gazeta Morska and previously for Dziennik Bałtycki. In 2023, he was appointed a member of the Youth Sports Council under the Minister of Sport. He was also a member of the Youth Council of the City of Gdańsk and now serves as a neighborhood councilor. In 2024, he ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Gdańsk City Council as a candidate of the Law and Justice party.{{Cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=Kim jest Daniel Nawrocki? Wiek, wykształcenie, pochodzenie, działalność samorządowa - Wiadomości Radio ZET |url=https://wiadomosci.radiozet.pl/polska/kim-jest-daniel-nawrocki-wiek-wyksztalcenie-pochodzenie-dzialalnosc-samorzadowa |access-date=2 June 2025 |website=wiadomosci.radiozet.pl |language=pl}}

• 60x60px Bronze Cross of Merit (4 November 2016){{Cite web |date=30 January 2017 |title=Postanowienie nr rej. 514/2016 Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 4 listopada 2016 r. o nadaniu odznaczeń |url=https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WMP20170000098 |access-date=10 May 2025 |website=Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych |language=pl}}

• 60x60px Silver Cross of Merit (19 October 2021){{Cite web |date=19 October 2021 |title=Pałac Prezydencki. Uroczystość wręczenia odznaczeń |url=https://www.prezydent.pl/aktualnosci/ordery-i-odznaczenia/ordery-dla-uczestnikow-powstania-warszawskiego-oraz-osob-pielegnujacych-pamiec-o-najnowszej-historii-polski,39936 |access-date=10 May 2025 |website=prezydent.pl |language=pl}}

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{{Heads of state of Poland}}

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Category:1983 births

Category:21st-century Polish historians

Category:Living people

Category:Polish anti-communists

Category:University of Gdańsk alumni

Category:Writers from Gdańsk

Category:Candidates in the 2025 Polish presidential election

Category:Recipients of the Silver Cross of Merit (Poland)

Category:Gdańsk University of Technology alumni

• [https://karolnawrocki2025.pl/ 2025 campaign website]
• [https://nawrocki2025.com/ 2025 campaign online shop]