In a solemn ceremony held before the National Assembly, Karol Nawrocki officially took the oath of office, marking the beginning of his term as President of the Republic of Poland.
The oath, as enshrined in the Constitution, included a pledge to uphold the nation’s fundamental law, safeguard its dignity, independence and security, and place the good of the homeland and its citizens above all else. Nawrocki concluded the oath with the traditional words: “So help me God.”
Delivering his inaugural address in the Sejm, President Nawrocki declared that the outcome of the 1 June election was a clear message from the Polish people: a call for accountability, the fulfilment of electoral promises, and the right to choose their head of state freely, without political manipulation.
“Poles have spoken — the President must be the voice of the citizens, and nothing more. I will be that voice,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to honouring his campaign platform, known as the “Plan 21,” which outlines a vision for Poland’s development. He vowed to remain resolute in implementing this programme, which includes flagship infrastructure projects such as the Central Communication Port (CPK), expansion of national roads, and enhancement of maritime ports.
“I will speak for those Poles who want a normal country — one that holds fast to its values, that fosters strong education, and that takes pride in its literary heritage,” he told MPs.
Drawing on his background in education and historical memory, the President stressed the need for a school system that instils a sense of national pride in young people.
“As someone who spent many years working in education and national remembrance, I will do everything to ensure that Polish schools raise future generations who are proud to be Polish,” he said.
In this spirit, Nawrocki extended an invitation to the upcoming edition of the National Reading campaign, promising that if need be, he himself would read Polish literary classics to the nation.
He also expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Andrzej Duda, thanking him for a decade in office marked — in Nawrocki’s words — by “numerous achievements.”
The new Polish president also referred to national unity that can be achieved despite differences; he gave examples of the founding fathers of Polish independence, including Roman Dmowski, Wojciech Korfanty and Ignacy Daszyński.
Following his swearing-in ceremony, President Karol Nawrocki stepped outside the Polish Parliament to greet supporters gathered in front of the Sejm. Expressing heartfelt gratitude, he thanked them for their unwavering backing during the election campaign, emphasising that he sees their presence as a sign of ongoing unity for the next five years.
“This day belongs to all of us — it is a shared victory for a free, sovereign and ambitious Poland,” he told the crowd.
“Many of you stood by me throughout the campaign, and today, as your president, I will be your voice.”
Source: PAP
Photo: British Poles
Tomasz Modrzejewski
