Deep political divisions in Poland reflected in presidential election

Poland has made its choice. but it's one that could set the new Donald Trump-backed right wing president on a collision course with the center right pro-EU prime minister Donald Tusk.

Even before his win, Karol Nawrocki made it clear he would use his veto power if he became president.

"We will win and we will save Poland. We won't allow Donald Tusk's power to be all-encompassing," Nawrocki said at his election headquarters in Warsaw on Sunday evening.

Deep divisions among Poles are seen through the razor thin difference between the two candidates. And the winner was known only early in the morning when all the votes were finally counted. And the massive turnout of over 71 percent was another show of how this election was important for Polish citizens.

As Nawrocki was backed by the opposition Law and Justice party, he will likely continue the work of outgoing right wing president Andrezej Duda, who was also backed by the same party during his mandate. It is expected that the new president will continue to stall the work of Prime Minister Tusk as they are from two opposing sides of the political spectrum. 

Areas like judicial reform, media regulation, and LGBT rights are expected to become new battlegrounds between the two sides. At the same time, policies on Ukraine and changing immigration laws are seem to be a common ground between the government and the president elect. 

On the international 'front', reactions to the Nawrocki's victory are mixed. The EU offered formal congratulations, but with a tone of concern.

"We are confident that the reforms that have been started by the Polish government will be pursued and will continue," European Commission Chief spokeswoman Paula Pinho said in Brussels.

Nawrocki's alignment with Poland's former ruling Law and Justice party could potentially deepen Poland's isolation within the EU. But the Warsaw-Budapest axis could gain new momentum within EU politics. 

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hailed Nawrocki's victory as "a sign that Central Europe continues to stand strong in defense of its Christian values and sovereignty."

Nawrocki's biggest support, though, could be much further afield. U.S. President Trump met Nawrocki during his campaign and publicly endorsed him. Warmer military and energy cooperation between Warsaw and Washington could further develop under Nawrocki's leadership.

In a deeply polarized Poland, this result marks the start of what could be a turbulent new chapter.