WARSAW: Poles vote on Sunday in a knife-edge presidential election that may shape the country’s future relations with the European Union, already frayed by the bloc’s concerns over the rule of law.
Incumbent Andrzej Duda, an ally of the ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS), takes on liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski after a campaign that has shown sharply contrasting visions for the future and exposed deep political divisions.
Duda’s re-election is crucial if PiS is to deepen judicial reforms that the EU says increase political control over the courts. The president holds the power of veto and Trzaskowski has said he will block legislation that he believes would undermine democratic norms.
Given that Poland’s president holds few executive powers, it is unlikely Trzaskowski could bring about significant change if he won. But if the presidency, as well as the upper house of parliament, were in opposition hands, PiS’ ability to implement its agenda would be hampered. TLTP
