Why Poland’s Election Is a Barometer for Europe’s Populist Wave

Poland’s presidential election will determine whether the country can overhaul controversial judicial reforms and remain a reliable partner in the European Union after nearly a decade of divisive right-wing populism.

The nationalist party that outgoing President Andrzej Duda hails from, Law & Justice, governed for eight years until Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his pro-EU coalition unexpectedly swept into power toward the end of 2023. Now, Tusk is hoping a centrist ally will take residence in the presidential palace and support his policy agenda, which has repeatedly been blocked by Duda.