Andrzej Duda: President of Poland
Andrzej Duda is the current President of Poland, having been elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2020. His presidency has been marked by a focus on conservative values, strong relationships with the United States, and at times, strained relations with the European Union.
Born in Krakow in 1972, Duda has a legal background, having earned his doctorate from the Jagiellonian University. He entered politics through the Law and Justice party (PiS), led by Jarosław Kaczyński. Prior to becoming president, he served as a Member of the European Parliament and as an undersecretary of state in the Lech Kaczyński administration.
Duda’s 2015 victory over incumbent Bronisław Komorowski was considered a significant upset. His campaign emphasized promises of economic improvement, lower taxes, and support for traditional family values. He also pledged to be a president who listened to the concerns of ordinary citizens.
His first term saw the implementation of several key policies, including the “Family 500+” program, a monthly cash benefit for families with two or more children. This program has been credited with reducing poverty and increasing birth rates, though critics have pointed to its cost and potential inflationary effects. Duda also pursued judicial reforms, which led to concerns from the European Union and international organizations about the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Duda’s foreign policy has largely focused on strengthening ties with the United States. He has been a strong advocate for increased American military presence in Poland and has supported initiatives like the Three Seas Initiative, which aims to improve infrastructure connectivity in Central and Eastern Europe. Relations with the European Union have been more complex, with disagreements over issues such as migration, climate change, and judicial independence.
The 2020 presidential election saw Duda face a strong challenge from Rafał Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw. The campaign was highly polarized, with debates focusing on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, historical memory, and the future of Poland’s relationship with the EU. Duda narrowly won the election, securing a second term.
During his second term, Duda has continued to pursue policies aligned with the Law and Justice party’s platform. He has also played a significant role in responding to the war in Ukraine, offering strong support for Ukrainian refugees and advocating for increased international pressure on Russia. He has become a key voice in calls for increased security and defense cooperation within NATO.
Andrzej Duda’s presidency has been a defining period for Poland, marked by both successes and controversies. He remains a significant figure in Polish politics, shaping the country’s domestic and foreign policy agenda.