• Tens of thousands participated in rival rallies for Polish presidency candidates in Warsaw.
• Opinion polls indicate a near tie between candidates Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki, both at 46.3%.
• Trzaskowski's platform includes support for women's rights and abortion legalization.

In a significant display of political fervor, tens of thousands rallied in central Warsaw on May 25 for the two primary candidates in Poland's presidential election scheduled for June 1. The pro-European Union mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski, backed by the centrist government, organized a "Great March of Patriots," while nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki led the opposing "March for Poland." Supporters of Nawrocki participated enthusiastically, chanting patriotic songs and advocating against immigration, highlighting their concerns about sovereignty in the face of EU policies, according to Le Monde and India Times.

Opinion polls forecast a tightly contested election, with both candidates at a dead heat of 46.3%. Trzaskowski won the first round of voting on May 18 by a narrow margin of 31% to Nawrocki's 30%. A victory for Trzaskowski would bolster Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government, whereas a Nawrocki win could potentially prolong political stalemate and would likely challenge Poland's current support for Ukraine, raising concerns regarding NATO policies and the treatment of Ukrainian refugees in the country, as reported by Dawn and India Times.

At the Trzaskowski rally, attendees displayed EU and LGBTQ flags, emphasizing their support for progressive policies, including women's rights and abortion legalization in a predominantly Catholic country with strict abortion laws. Trzaskowski, who addresses the importance of inclusivity under Poland's national identity, positioned his campaign as a pathway towards a more inclusive and European outlook. According to attendees, his stance on key social issues resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, as detailed in Dawn and Le Monde.