The country’s government is centrist, with deep ties to Brussels. Its new president is a Trump-backed nationalist. That reflects a broader struggle.

Poland's election of pro-Trump nationalist Karol Nawrocki will likely undermine the country's pro-EU government and increase political tensions to the point that early elections could be held,

Nawrocki’s win has given pro-Donald Trump, anti-liberal, anti-EU forces across the continent a shot in the arm. It’s bad news for the EU, Ukraine and women. For much of the post-second world war era, Poland has had limited European influence.

Poland, a leading example of economic growth and increased military spending in Europe, will vote in a presidential runoff Sunday in a race that remains too close to call.

Despite grand plans, the European Union’s hoped-for rearmament remains fully dependent on member nations stepping up their own defenses. In March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an 800-million-euro "Rearm Europe" plan to build out a defense architecture that has depended on the U.

The other, from the centre, is that, in a dangerous world, Poland needs Europe to magnify its strengths, just as Europe needs Poland as a source of security and economic dynamism. Unfortunately, at the moment the right may have the upper hand.

Across Europe’s newest economic powerhouse, where living standards have leapfrogged Japan’s and are on course to surpass Spain’s and Israel’s, incomes are surging, shops are buzzing and borders are secure — at least for now.

A runoff election on Sunday pits a centrist against a nationalist who represent mainstream parties. The outcome is unclear given that many under 30 prefer candidates on the political fringes.