Warsaw, 6 August 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Poland's new right-wing populist president, Karol Nawrocki, is to be sworn in on Wednesday, ushering in a period of likely confrontation with the country's pro-European government.

The 42-year-old independent historian, who was supported by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, emerged victorious in a run-off election in early June.

His win over liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski was seen as a heavy political defeat for Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government.

Nawrocki succeeds Andrzej Duda, who is stepping down after two terms in office.

The Polish head of state is elected for a five-year term and holds broad powers. The president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has a say in foreign policy decisions and can veto laws passed by parliament.

Duda, aligned with PiS, has frequently wielded this power to obstruct Tusk's reformist agenda.

Nawrocki has already warned that the prime minister can expect "strong resistance from the presidential palace."

Traditionally, the Polish president takes the oath of office before the National Assembly, which consists of both chambers of parliament. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 am (0800 GMT).

Photo: EPA