Trzaskowski Wins Poland's Presidential Election First Round in Tight Race

Poland heads to a presidential runoff after a nail-biting first round. Warsaw's liberal mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski, secured a narrow victory in Sunday's election, edging out conservative historian Karol Nawrocki. Exit polls showed Trzaskowski with 31.1% of the vote and Nawrocki with 29.1%. The official results are pending, but the two will likely face each other in a second round on June 1st. This closely contested race has significant political implications, as the Polish presidency holds veto power over legislation. Trzaskowski, from the Civic Platform party, has promised to work with the government on liberalizing abortion laws and reforming the judiciary. His opponent, Nawrocki, supported by the Law and Justice party, is expected to be more resistant to such reforms. "I told you eight months ago that it would be very, very close, and it is very close," Trzaskowski stated in his victory speech, surrounded by cheering supporters. The outcome of the June 1st runoff will significantly impact the balance of power between Poland's presidency and government.