The election victory of Nawrocki, who was backed by the nationalist opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), dealt a blow to Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s hopes of cementing the pro-European Union course he has set for the bloc’s largest eastern member and left his government floundering in the polls.

Conservative Karol Nawrocki was inaugurated Wednesday as Poland 's new president, which could set the country on a more nationalist course.

By Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw Karol Nawrocki was sworn in as Poland’s new president on August 6, marking the start of what is expected to be a prolonged political standoff with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s coalition government.