Karol Nawrocki, Poland’s newly elected right-wing president aligned with the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, was officially sworn into office on Wednesday during a ceremony in parliament.

In his inaugural address, Nawrocki vowed to serve as “the voice of those who want a sovereign Poland that is in the EU, but a Poland that is not the EU, that will remain Poland.” He warned that Poland “can no longer be an economic subsidiary of our western neighbours or of the EU as a whole,” and pledged never to accept “the EU taking away Poland’s competences.”

The former head of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) takes office for a five-year term, succeeding fellow PiS-aligned president Andrzej Duda. His victory is expected to set the stage for renewed political clashes with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist government, which holds sharply different views on domestic and EU policy.

In his speech, Nawrocki accused Tusk’s administration of “regularly violating the constitution” and called for a “return to the rule of law.” He also signalled a tougher stance on Ukraine than his predecessor, expressing opposition to its proposed EU and NATO membership — a move likely to add strain to Warsaw-Kyiv relations.

Despite tensions, Nawrocki extended an olive branch to the government, inviting Tusk to a meeting later this month “to discuss key investments and the state of public finances.”

Nawrocki’s rise marks a remarkable political upset. A newcomer with no previous elected experience, he secured a narrow victory in June’s presidential election, taking 50.9% of the vote against Civic Platform (PO) candidate Rafał Trzaskowski’s 49.1% — the closest result in Polish presidential history.

Some members of Tusk’s coalition questioned the legitimacy of the result, citing irregularities and the disputed legal status of the Supreme Court chamber that validated the outcome. Nonetheless, Tusk and his ministers attended Wednesday’s swearing-in.

While Poland’s presidency holds limited executive power, the office wields significant influence through the ability to veto legislation. Duda used this power repeatedly to block government initiatives, and Nawrocki is expected to do the same on key policies.

Incoming presidential chancellery head Zbigniew Bogucki confirmed Nawrocki will quickly submit several bills to parliament, including proposals to eliminate income tax for families with two or more children, shield Polish agriculture from an EU-Mercosur trade deal, and advance construction of a major new airport and transport hub.

Nawrocki also signalled continuity in foreign relations with the United States, where he is likely to enjoy strong ties with the Trump administration, which supported his candidacy. (ILKHA)