Polish president among 28 most influential figures in Europe - Politico
Polish President Karol Nawrocki was named one of the 28 most powerful people in European politics and policy in the Politico media outlet's annual ranking.
US President Donald Trump secured the top spot in the Politico 28 Class of 2026 ranking, released online on December 10, ahead of an official presentation event on December 11.
The list traditionally only includes Europeans predicted to play a key role in Europe in 2026 but Trump was included this year because his decisions are seen as casting a large shadow over the Old Continent.
Nawrocki, referred to as "The Other Pole," was the only Pole included in the ranking and was placed 23rd overall.
In its presentation of the Polish president, Politico portal wrote that "Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had hoped that this year would mark the moment he took full control of the country and moved it decisively into the centre of European politics," but Nawrocki's victory in the presidential election thwarted these plans.
Nawrocki "has already transformed the presidential palace in downtown Warsaw into an alternative power centre to the prime minister’s office," Politico wrote.
It added that while the ruling coalition lacks a majority in parliament to override the president's veto, the Law and Justice party (PiS), which supports Nawrocki, is also unable to win votes on key legislative proposals and "the result is gridlock."
The authors wrote that, given the challenges Europe, including Poland, faces abroad, internal conflict is affecting politics on the international stage.
"Poland’s constitution gives the government primacy in foreign policy, but the president retains key prerogatives, creating confusion on the international stage as Warsaw speaks with two voices," Politico wrote.
The portal noted that Trump, the most influential politician in Europe, did not hesitate to openly back Nawrocki during his presidential campaign. He has also assured his Polish counterpart that US troops stationed in Poland would remain in place.
According to Politico, the conflict between Nawrocki and Tusk is dangerous for Brussels because, by steering their policies in opposite directions, the two leaders are leaving the eastern flank of the European Union "more divided than ever." (PAP)
mmr/mj
