Karol Nawrocki is a Polish historian and conservative political figure. Born on March 3, 1983, in Gdańsk, he earned a doctorate in humanities in 2013.
He has held leadership roles at the Museum of the Second World War and the Institute of National Remembrance, where he promoted a nationalist view of Polish history. In July 2021, he became president of the Institute of National Remembrance.
In June 2025, Nawrocki was elected President of Poland, narrowly defeating liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski with 50.89% of the vote.
He will assume the office on August 6, 2025. Nawrocki has a strong background in history, focusing on Poland's anti-communist opposition and organised crime during the communist era. Nawrocki's political stance is characterised by nationalism, euroscepticism, and conservative social values.
Who is Karol Nawrocki?
Source: Reuters
Karol Nawrocki is Poland's newly elected president as of June 1, 2025. He is a 42-year-old conservative historian from Gdańsk, known for his nationalist views and alignment with the Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Education
Karol Nawrocki was born on March 3, 1983, in Gdańsk, Poland. He completed his early education in Gdańsk, attending primary school and the 4th High School.
After passing his final exams (matura) in 2002, he went on to study at the Post-Secondary School of Business and Administration in Gdańsk. He finished in 2003 and earned the title of Personnel Management Specialist.
That same year, he began studying at the Faculty of History at the University of Gdańsk. In 2008, he graduated with a master’s degree in history. He later completed his PhD in the humanities at the same university. His doctoral work focused on social resistance to communist rule in the Elbląg region from 1976 to 1989. (Social Resistance to Communist Rule in the Elbląg Voivodeship, 1976–1989.)
In 2023, Nawrocki further expanded his education by completing an International MBA in Strategy, Programme, and Project Management at the Gdańsk University of Technology.
Early Work
Karol Nawrocki worked at the Institute of National Remembrance from 2009 to 2017. From 2013 to 2017, he led the Public Education Office in the Gdańsk branch. At the same time, from 2011 to 2017, he was also the chairman of the Siedlce District Council in Gdańsk.
In 2017, he became the director of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk. He held that job until 2021. After that, he returned to the Institute of National Remembrance. In June 2021, he became the deputy president, and a month later, in July 2021, he was chosen as the head of the institute by the Polish parliament.
Nawrocki has written or co-written many books and articles. His work focuses on anti-communist movements, crime in communist Poland, and sports history. He also used the pen name "Tadeusz Batyr" to write a book about a gangster. In 2018, he even appeared on TV as Batyr with his face blurred, pretending it wasn’t him
Political Career
To był niesamowity ostatni dzień kampanii. Dziękujemy i do zwycięstwa! 🔥🇵🇱 #Nawrocki2025 pic.twitter.com/a9dEcL5OTH
— #Nawrocki2025 (@Nawrocki25) May 30, 2025
Nawrocki was a relative newcomer to frontline politics, largely unknown to the public until late 2024. His candidacy for president was announced by the PiS party, surprising even many within the party.
Despite an initially unpolished campaign style, Nawrocki quickly adapted, improving his public speaking and campaign presence.
He was portrayed by PiS as an independent "citizens' candidate" to broaden his appeal beyond the party’s traditional base.
Presidential Election and Platform
In June 2025, Nawrocki narrowly defeated liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski with 50.89% of the vote in a runoff election. His victory marked a significant comeback for PiS after their loss in the 2023 parliamentary elections.
Nawrocki campaigned on a platform of conservative, nationalist values. He pledged to act as a check on the centrist, pro-EU government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, vowing to hinder its ambitions.
His policy positions include:
- Opposition to compulsory vaccinations for adults and children.
- Scepticism toward Ukraine's membership in NATO and the EU until bilateral disputes are resolved.
- Economic promises such as no tax increases, VAT reduction, tax relief for families, and abolition of certain taxes.
- Strong support for coal mining until Poland develops nuclear energy capacity and rejection of EU green policies.
- Advocacy for voluntary military conscription and a significant expansion of Poland's armed forces.
- Nawrocki is also known for his euroskeptic views, often criticising EU policies on the environment and migration, though he stops short of advocating for "Polexit".
In a Nutshell:
| Year | Position/Role | Notable Actions/Events |
| 2009 | Joined the Institute of National Remembrance | Began career in historical research and state institutions |
| 2017 | Director, WWII Museum in Gdańsk | Oversaw restructuring to align with conservative historical views |
| 2021 | President, Institute of National Remembrance | Led an influential state institution shaping historical discourse |
| 2024 | Announced as PiS presidential candidate | Entered national politics as a relative unknown |
| 2025 | Elected President of Poland | Won with 50.89% of the vote; platform of conservatism and nationalism |
Honours & Awards
Source: X
Karol Nawrocki has been honoured by the Polish state for his service and contributions. On November 4, 2016, he received the Bronze Cross of Merit. Later, on October 19, 2021, he was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit. These honours recognise his dedication to public service, education, and the promotion of national history.
Personal Life
Karol Nawrocki is married to Marta Nawrocka and has three children.
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