NEWSLETTER
From Poland with Love. June
Topic of the Month
Controversy Surrounds Presidential Election
Poland's recent presidential election ended in a razor-thin victory for Karol Nawrocki, the candidate backed by the PiS party, who secured 50.89% of the vote compared to 49.11% for Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. The result, the closest in Polish presidential history, has sparked widespread debate and demands for a thorough investigation—particularly from figures aligned with the governing coalition.
Questions were raised when Trzaskowski appeared to receive fewer votes in the second round than in the first in several Civic Coalition strongholds—an unusual trend in a runoff. In one Kraków polling station, Trzaskowski led with 550 votes in the first round, with Nawrocki finishing third. Yet, in the second round, Nawrocki reportedly won the same precinct. Similar discrepancies were reported in Mińsk Mazowiecki, where local officials stated that Trzaskowski received 611 votes (62.73%) and Nawrocki 363 (37.27%), contradicting the official results.
Trzaskowski’s campaign chief, Wiola Paprocka, announced that the team would contact the National Electoral Commission (PKW) to clarify each case, and the ruling coalition has called for a comprehensive investigation. An emergency meeting of the PKW has already taken place, but under Polish law, the Supreme Court is ultimately responsible for validating presidential election results. Citizens have 14 days to submit official complaints after results are announced. Over 50,000 electoral protests have been filed. (One protester was fined PLN 3,000 (ca. EUR 700) for using offensive language in a formal complaint.)
In response to growing concerns, the Supreme Court has ordered recounts in 13 electoral commissions, uncovering errors in 11. The findings have raised alarm among both opposition and government supporters.
However, a major legal issue remains unresolved: under legislation introduced by PiS, the Extraordinary Review and Public Affairs Chamber is tasked with certifying the election. Yet, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) previously ruled that this chamber “does not constitute an independent and impartial tribunal established by law.” As a result, it is not recognized by the current Polish authorities. A group of 28 Supreme Court judges signed an open letter declaring the chamber illegitimate, stating: “Since this chamber is not a court, it cannot perform activities related to the electoral process, which belong exclusively to the Supreme Court.”
Two judges assigned to validate the election—Leszek Bosek and Grzegorz Żmij—have been removed from the chamber after refusing to perform their duties, citing the 2023 CJEU ruling. Notably, this same chamber had previously confirmed the results of the 2023 parliamentary and 2024 local and European elections, raising questions about their legitimacy as well.
Meanwhile, over 283,000 people have signed a petition calling for a national recount, fueling growing political tensions. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has attempted to ease public unrest, writing on X: “I understand the emotions, but assuming from the outset that the election was rigged does not serve the Polish state.” He added that all reported irregularities are being analyzed and verified.
However, not all of Tusk's allies have been as measured. Prominent MP and lawyer Roman Giertych claimed outright: “It was electoral fraud.” In response, President-elect Nawrocki urged Tusk not to “destroy democracy” by casting doubt on the legitimacy of the vote. President Andrzej Duda echoed this sentiment, accusing the current government of being unwilling to accept electoral defeat: “Mr. Tusk and his colleagues can’t seem to get over losing the presidential election. You believe you are owed a victory and that’s it.”
Amid the chaos, Justice Minister Adam Bodnar has formally requested that the Supreme Court order a recount at nearly 1,500 polling stations, citing possible irregularities. The request is based on analyses by statistician Krzysztof Kontek and mathematician (and KO council member) Joanna Staniszkis, who argue that anomalies may have altered the outcome. However, some experts have criticized their methodology, arguing that the statistical irregularities were not significant enough to reverse the result.
Today, we do not know how the proceedings will end. On the one hand, the Supreme Court’s presidency is determined to approve the elections, while on the other, the Minister of Justice has announced investigative proceedings. The prosecutor's office claims that it will look into every case and does not rule out bringing criminal charges if it finds evidence of fraud, while PiS assures that it will pay for lawyers for members of the electoral commission accused of electoral fraud. Nawrocki has already received his certificate of election, and his swearing-in ceremony before the National Assembly is scheduled for August 6. Some commentators (and many voters) are urging Sejm Speaker Hołownia to boycott the swearing-in ceremony in parliament, which would mean that he would take over the functions of the president after Duda's term expires. The prolonged state of uncertainty is bad for the state, the legitimacy of its institutions, and public trust. It could lead to a lasting undermining of the election results and lower voter turnout in future elections. However, it could also prove to be a powerful political weapon in an extremely polarized Poland.
Science
Second Pole in Space
Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski has become the second Pole in history to travel into space and the first to do so aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The Axiom-4 mission was originally scheduled for 29 May, but was postponed due to technical issues with the Crew Dragon capsule. These required thorough testing and the elimination of any potential risks before the flight could go ahead. The launch was subsequently delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The rocket took off on its mission to the ISS from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. After the capsule separated, the Ax-4 crew members delivered statements in their native languages. "Dear Poles, today we are taking a huge step towards the technological future of Poland — a Poland based on science and knowledge. May this mission mark the start of an era in which our courage and determination help to shape a modern Poland, for us and for future generations,” said Uznański-Wiśniewski. “We did it! Poland has reached for the stars,' wrote the Prime Minister on X.
While in orbit, Uznański-Wiśniewski will conduct a variety of scientific and technological experiments. These will include testing the impact of micro-gravity on human health, providing support for type 1 diabetics during short-term space missions, and studying the impact of micro-gravity on the brains and cognitive functions of astronauts. The mission crew will also study how cancer cells grow and behave in space, particularly in the context of breast cancer.
The astronaut's personal cargo includes iconic objects representing Polish culture and science, such as the Polish flag, Baltic amber, salt from the renowned Wieliczka Salt Mine, a manuscript of Fryderyk Chopin’s Mazurka in A-flat major, and an engraving from Nicolaus Copernicus’s seminal work, 'De revolutionibus'. He has also brought literary works by Nobel laureate Wisława Szymborska.
The first Polish cosmonaut was Brigadier General Mirosław Hermaszewski, who was a military pilot. In 1978, he launched aboard the Soyuz 30 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Dr. Uznański-Wiśniewski studied at the Łódź University of Technology, the University of Nantes and the University of Aix-Marseille. He has been affiliated with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) for more than ten years, leading multiple projects related to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In 2022, he joined the European Space Agency's (ESA) reserve astronaut corps, and in 2024, he was officially assigned to the Ax-4 crew for the International Space Station (ISS).
Politics
End of the Third Way
The Third Way coalition has collapsed. The alliance between the agrarian-conservative PSL and the centrist Poland 2050 will cease to exist after two years. The decision was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and PSL leader Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz following a meeting of his party’s National Council. The leader of Poland 2050 and Speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, accepted the decision calmly and thanked PSL for the cooperation so far.
Third Way was formed ahead of the 2023 elections and, according to the partners’ agreement, was supposed to last through four successive elections. The first one — parliamentary — was a success, with the Third Way winning over 14% of the vote and securing a strong position in government. The subsequent elections — local and European — were not considered successful, particularly for Poland 2050. In this year’s presidential election, Hołownia, representing both parties, garnered only 4.99% of the vote.
Dissatisfaction with the coalition had been growing on both sides. Poland 2050 believed that the alliance with PSL prevented it from focusing on its core priorities, such as climate policy and depoliticizing state-owned companies (PSL is known for supporting foresters and hunters and for appointing its people to state companies). On the other hand, PSL activists — from Poland’s largest party — were unwilling to work for the success of their coalition partner, which lacks substantial grassroots structures. PSL is seen as a “pivot” party and is said to be able to form a coalition with anyone. In a recent internal party survey, 70% of members supported maintaining the current coalition, but 30% favored cooperation with PiS. That latter group may be growing.
The question now is: what’s next? Polls suggest that neither party would pass the electoral threshold in the next elections. Commentators say both may form a joint list with the Civic Coalition in 2027, when the next parliamentary elections are scheduled. There is even speculation that Poland 2050 could be absorbed by Donald Tusk’s party. For now, Hołownia is doing everything to prevent that. The coming months will be dedicated to convincing voters that his party has its own identity and a meaningful role to play on the political stage.
According to the 2023 coalition agreement, Hołownia will step down as Speaker of the Sejm this autumn (to be replaced by Left party leader Włodzimierz Czarzasty), but he has no intention of joining the government. He is pushing for his deputy, Minister for European Funds Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister. Donald Tusk has announced that a major government reshuffle will be announced in July.
New Spokesman of the Government
Minister for European Union Affairs and leader of the liberal Nowoczesna party, Adam Szłapka, has been appointed government spokesperson. Due to his current responsibilities, Szłapka will formally assume the role on July 1, after the end of Poland’s presidency of the EU Council. However, he has already declared his round-the-clock availability. “We are ready to work and determined,” said Szłapka, promising effective communication with citizens about the government's achievements, active efforts to combat disinformation, closer cooperation with ministries, and the exploration of new forms of communication.
For several months, the government has faced criticism over the lack of an official spokesperson. For many journalists and commentators, this absence symbolized weak communication strategy within Donald Tusk’s cabinet. After Rafał Trzaskowski’s defeat in the presidential election, the issue of appointing a spokesperson became almost a media obsession.
The coalition partners announced the decision to appoint a spokesperson after intense discussions held shortly after the election results were released. The Prime Minister had promised that the post would be filled by the end of June, and that it would go to a high-profile politician. Unofficially, it is said that several candidates declined the role, knowing it would be an extremely demanding and thankless task. Ultimately, Szłapka was chosen—he enjoys Tusk’s trust and is known for his ability to work effectively with representatives of all parties within the broad coalition.
Spyware, Tapes and Embarrassing Moves
Polish alt-right media outlets, TV Republika and wPolsce 24, have released audio recordings of a confidential phone conversation involving Donald Tusk during his tenure as President of the European Council. The intention was to demonstrate that Tusk remained actively involved in domestic politics, despite his formal obligation to maintain political neutrality under EU rules.
The tapes feature conversations between Tusk and his then-chief of staff Paweł Graś, as well as his lawyer and current MP Roman Giertych. Both calls took place ahead of the 2019 parliamentary elections. In them, Giertych is heard criticizing then-Civic Platform (PO) leader Grzegorz Schetyna, expressing frustration over Schetyna’s decision to block his return to parliament.
Giertych dismissed the tapes with laughter and accused Law and Justice (PiS) of committing a “serious crime” by allegedly using Pegasus spyware to monitor opposition figures during the election campaign. “PiS-affiliated media are publishing excerpts of my conversations, recorded between June and September 2019 using the Israeli Pegasus spyware, as part of an illegal surveillance operation carried out against me by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA),” he wrote on X.
In an attempt to further expose the "backroom of power," TV Republika published additional recordings. However, the move backfired when it emerged that some of the so-called “leaked tapes” had already been publicly available online for months. In a particularly embarrassing case, the channel aired excerpts from Giertych’s own YouTube videos—altered with background noise to make them sound like covert phone calls.
Poland Tightens Rules for Foreign Students
Poland has introduced stricter controls on the inflow of foreign students by limiting student visas exclusively to educational purposes. The changes introduce additional requirements for applicants but aim to protect the integrity of the education system, prevent abuse, and increase transparency. The new regulations are part of the government's Migration Strategy, adopted in October 2024, which seeks to strengthen national security and align migration with the country’s educational and labor market needs. “This is another step toward regaining control over migration and enhancing the safety of Polish citizens,” the Chancellery of the Prime Minister stated.
Under the new legislation, all prospective foreign students must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of instruction. Universities will be required to notify consulates if an admitted student fails to commence studies. In addition, academic institutions must verify the qualifications of foreign applicants—working in coordination with the National Agency for Academic Exchange to confirm that candidates have passed all necessary entrance exams.
The reforms also introduce caps on the number of foreign students who can be admitted, as well as limits on the issuance of temporary residence and work permits for non-citizens.
Authorities have also reminded the public that rules governing access to the labor market have changed. Labor market oversight bodies have been granted greater influence in the permit process. Regional Labor Offices (PUPs) will now be empowered to define lists of professions in which work permits cannot be issued to foreigners in specific regions. Additionally, PUPs must conduct semi-annual analyses of regional salary levels to prevent abuse, such as underpayment of foreign workers. Penalties for companies found guilty of illegal employment will also be significantly increased.
“We welcome everyone from around the world who wishes to study at Polish universities,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk. “But we are introducing safeguards to prevent illegal immigration networks from exploiting the education system.”
Economy
LOT’s Biggest Investment
At the Paris Air Show, LOT Polish Airlines and Airbus announced an agreement for up to 84 Airbus A220 family planes. This includes 40 firm orders for now, with options for a further 44 aircraft. The order comprises 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s. The new jets are set to be delivered between 2027 and 2031, replacing LOT's ageing regional fleet in the process.
This agreement brings an end to the dispute between Embraer and Airbus regarding the renewal of LOT Polish Airlines' regional fleet of older-generation aircraft. LOT is the last major European airline to incorporate Airbus aircraft into its fleet. Airbus Vice President Benoit de Saint-Exupéry described the purchase as a "historic milestone", stating that the A220-100 and A220-300 models are ideal for regional routes.
'These planes are modern, energy-efficient and designed with passenger comfort in mind. They will enable us to compete in European skies, strengthen our position as the preferred carrier in this part of Europe and prepare LOT for its role as the leading airline at the Central Transportation Port (CPK),' said LOT's CEO, Marcin Fijor, referring to Poland's ambition to construct a major air hub planned for the 2030s. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to the X platform, writing: 'This is the biggest investment for the Polish national carrier. We're building a leader in European air transport.'
Poland & Germany
„Community for Difficult Times”
Under the motto “Community for Difficult Times,” the Polish–German Forum returned to Berlin after a seven-year pause. The event was officially opened by the foreign ministers of Poland and Germany, marking a renewed commitment to bilateral dialogue. The forum seeks to foster joint solutions on pressing issues such as international security, economic competitiveness, and the future of the European Union. Representatives from think tanks, institutions, and civil society organizations from both countries took part in the program.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski highlighted the significance of resuming the forum on June 4th, the anniversary of Poland’s historic 1989 elections that set the country on the path to democracy. The event was held at the new Polish Embassy in Berlin. Sikorski expressed confidence in the bilateral partnership, stating, “Poland and Germany can lead Europe through these difficult times together.”
German Minister Johann Wadephul underlined the importance of the Weimar Triangle—the cooperation between Poland, Germany, and France—particularly in supporting Ukraine. He also expressed optimism about future joint innovation and defense projects, reaffirming that Poland and Germany are friends, and that “we want to build on this foundation.”
As part of the inauguration, the Polish–German Prize for outstanding contributions to the development of bilateral relations was awarded. Established under the Polish–German Treaty of Good Neighbourship and Friendly Cooperation of June 17, 1991, the prize includes both prestige and a financial award funded by the foreign ministries of both nations.
This year’s recipients were Elwira Niewiera, a renowned filmmaker, and the Bredbeck Education Centre. Elwira Niewiera, a screenwriter and director, is best known for her internationally acclaimed documentaries. Her film The Hamlet Syndrome (2022), co-produced with German television, explores the experience of the "Maidan Generation"—young Ukrainians shaped by the revolution and war of 2013–2014. In 2022, she co-founded an association with German partners that supplies aid and works with a therapy center in the Carpathian Mountains, supporting Ukrainian women affected by the war.
The Bredbeck Education Centre has long promoted Polish–German dialogue, especially through educational exchanges supported by the German–Polish Youth Office. It also fosters a regional partnership between Kwidzyn County in Poland and Osterholz County in Germany. In 2014, Bredbeck launched its first trilateral project by involving youth from Ukraine’s Donetsk region, and over the past decade, it has completed around 50 similar initiatives.
Looted Royal Ring
Poland's Ministry of Culture has formally petitioned Germany’s Federal Foreign Office to facilitate the return of a gold ring once belonging to a Polish king, currently held in a museum in Baden-Württemberg. The ring, set with a large square diamond, was part of the royal collection of Polish noblewoman Izabela Czartoryska. It was transferred to a museum in Kraków after Poland regained independence following World War I, but was looted by Nazi forces in 1939 and remained missing for decades.
The ring's location was finally discovered in 2007 by Prof. Ewa Letkiewicz, a researcher from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, who found it in a museum in Pforzheim, near Stuttgart. The museum had acquired the ring in 1963 as part of a private collection; the collector is believed to have purchased it sometime between 1954 and 1962. In a surprising twist, the German museum had even loaned the ring in the early 2000s to a partner institution in the Polish city of Częstochowa, seemingly unaware of its origin.
If recovered, the ring will be returned to the National Museum in Kraków, in accordance with a 2016 agreement under which the Polish state purchased the Czartoryski collection, including the rights to any still-missing items once part of it.
Culture
Expensive Reality
A record-breaking sum of 22.2 million Polish zloty was raised at the ‘Jacek Malczewski and His Epoch’ auction at the DESA Unicum auction house in Warsaw. The painting Reality returned to the auction house after two and a half years, beating the record it had set previously. Previously, the painting was sold for PLN 20.4 million. While the new owner of the painting has remained anonymous, it has been revealed that the work will remain in Poland.
"This auction is not only a financial success, but also confirmation that the Polish art market is mature and can compete with the most important European markets. We have been building its foundations for years, consistently raising the bar and introducing the highest standards,” said Agata Szkup, CEO of DESA Unicum.
‘Reality’, an oil painting on canvas created in 1908 depicting a nativity scene. It was last presented in 1926 at the artist's jubilee exhibition in Lviv. It then disappeared from sight for almost a century. While preparations were underway for its auction at DESA Unicum in Warsaw, police officers and National Museum staff intervened after prosecutors reported that the painting may have been involved in a crime when it was removed from Poland in the 1950s. DESA Unicum stated that 'Reality' was not stolen property, explaining that it had belonged to a Polish-German family before World War II and had been moved from Silesia to Germany in the 1950s. The prosecutor’s order was subsequently revoked, allowing the auction to proceed.
Jacek Malczewski is one of the most acclaimed artists in the history of Polish art. At the beginning of the 1890s, his paintings introduced Symbolism to the 'Młoda Polska' (Young Poland) art movement, reviving the Romantic tradition.
Summer Recommendation: Witty, Surprising, and Sparkling Anthology
British publishing house Penguin Books has released a major new anthology of 39 Polish short stories, featuring works by literary greats such as Stanisław Lem, Bruno Schulz, and Olga Tokarczuk.
“Witty, surprising, and sparkling, this anthology is an essential exploration of Polish literature. Its thirty-nine superb stories span the breadth of Poland’s literal and imaginative creation, beginning in 1918,” the publisher describes. “Curated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, this is a refreshing and glorious new collection of the best in Polish literature.”
Lloyd-Jones, one of the most prominent translators of Polish literature, explained that she was motivated to compile a broader and more diverse representation of Polish storytelling. “Most of the collections I came across were war-themed—depressing and gloomy,” she said. “Of course, war has to be included, but let it be somewhat separate.” To reflect this broader scope, she organized the anthology into nine thematic sections, including ‘Animals,’ ‘Children,’ ‘Couples,’ and ‘Misfits.’
Among the highlights is Miss Winczewska by renowned author Maria Dąbrowska, a story inspired by her experience helping establish a library for soldiers at the Citadel military base in Warsaw during the interwar period. From the contemporary era, the collection features The Green Children by Nobel Prize laureate Olga Tokarczuk—a historical tale set in the 17th century, narrated by a Scottish doctor who, while serving as the Polish king’s physician, journeys through the wilds of Poland and encounters two mysterious feral children.
Good summer read!
Society
Happy Birthday Kasia the Piranha!
The Polish city of Świnoujście hosted a unique celebration as hundreds gathered at a local museum to mark the 40th birthday of Kasia, the country’s oldest piranha—and likely one of the oldest in Europe. More precisely, Kasia is a tambaqui, a species often referred to as a "vegetarian piranha."
She has lived at the Museum of Sea Fishery in Świnoujście since the 1980s and now measures nearly a meter in length. On her special day, hundreds of visitors came to see her, and she was treated to her favorite snack—bananas. The most spectacular gift Kasia received was a brand-new 4,500-liter aquarium, a much-needed upgrade following a near-disastrous incident in March, when the bottom of her previous tank cracked.
Polls & Trends
Party Support
United Surveys for wp.pl, 27-29.06.2025
PiS 28,3%
Civic Coalition 25,6%
Confederation 15%
Left 6,6%
Together 5%
Poland 2050 4,4%
PSL 4,1%
Crown 3,9%