Polish presidential candidates faced off in the final debate on state television before the second round of elections, arguing over domestic policy, Ukraine, and relations with the United States and Europe, AFP reported.

The second round of elections on June 1 is expected to be closely contested. The pro-European mayor of Warsaw, Rafal Trzaskowski, supported by the centrist government and winner of the first round by a narrow margin, is facing off against nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki, backed by the main right-wing opposition.

The election comes at a tense moment for Europe, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues and relations with Washington are strained.

During the debate, Trzaskowski urged voters to “choose a president with experience,” while Nawrocki, an amateur boxer, said Poland needed “a strong president for difficult times.”

Nawrocki highlighted his good relations with US President Donald Trump, whom he visited at the White House earlier this month.

Trzaskowski, a former deputy foreign minister, however, accused Nawrocki of lacking political experience on the international stage.

Trzaskowski also accused him of “using language that is in line with... Russian propaganda,” citing Nawrocki's position against Ukraine's membership in NATO as an example.

Nawrocki responded that when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "treats us badly, we have the right to say so.

"And millions of Poles would like to say so."

Nawrocki reminded viewers that he is on Russia's wanted list for his alleged efforts to remove Soviet-era monuments in Poland.

The debate was divided into six topics, including foreign policy, healthcare, the economy, and security.

An overall victory for Trzaskowski in the election would be a boost for the government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk since 2023.

The government of the former EU leader is at odds with the current nationalist president, Andrzej Duda.

A victory for Nawrocki would likely prolong the political deadlock in the Central European country of 38 million people. |BGNES