Poland’s Pro-Bitcoin Leader: A New Era of Crypto-Friendly Governance
The electoral victory of Karol Nawrocki as Poland’s head of state marks a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. This event, which follows the National Electoral Commission’s (PKW) announcement, confirms Nawrocki’s win with 50.89% of the vote, edging out Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%. The outcome is a setback for Prime Minister Donald Tusk, as Nawrocki’s conservative stance introduces a presidential veto over the next five years.
For the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency community, Nawrocki’s win is even more momentous. His campaign was notably the most pro-Bitcoin platform ever advocated in a major European Union country. In a video released four days before the election, Nawrocki proclaimed, “Poland needs innovation, not regulation. As President, I will ensure that no restrictive laws infringing on your freedom will ever be enacted.” This statement, originally in Polish, resonated with the country’s approximately eight million crypto enthusiasts, spreading rapidly across TikTok and Telegram.
Nawrocki’s Bitcoin Agenda: What He Promised
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Throughout his campaign, Nawrocki linked his economic policies to a broader overhaul of the tax system. According to an analysis by Bankier.pl, one of his primary promises was the elimination of the 19% ‘Belka’ capital-gains tax, which affects both stock market and digital asset gains. By removing this tax, Poland would position itself as a low-burden environment for Bitcoin gains within the European Economic Area.
Nawrocki also positioned himself as a negative regulator, someone who would oppose restrictions rather than introduce new crypto legislation. In his final televised debate, he stated, “I will be the constitutional firewall against any attempt to criminalize ordinary Poles for holding or spending Bitcoin.”
Slawomir Mentzen, a libertarian candidate with a campaign focused on creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, influenced the race significantly despite not reaching the second round. On November 17, he proposed, “Poland should establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve… If I become President, our country will be a cryptocurrency haven.” Blockchain analytics firm Arkham later identified 33.7 BTC—valued at over $3 million—linked to Mentzen’s addresses.
Mentzen’s vision compelled every major candidate to clarify their stance on cryptocurrencies. Nawrocki opted to incorporate Mentzen’s ideas, acknowledging that a reserve is “worth considering,” but emphasized that tax relief and legal clarity should be prioritized. This approach helped consolidate the libertarian vote behind Nawrocki, possibly contributing to the 300,000-vote lead that secured his victory.
The Role of Bitcoin in Poland’s Election
Since 2022, Polish households have increasingly adopted digital assets, with Statista predicting 7.9 million domestic crypto users by the end of 2025, representing about 21% of the adult population. This demographic, primarily under 40 and urban, traditionally leans liberal. Nawrocki’s strategy to adopt a strong pro-Bitcoin stance aimed to attract these voters without losing his conservative base. Exit polls cited by The Guardian revealed a 12-point swing toward Nawrocki among first-time voters compared to the 2020 presidential contest, effectively countering Trzaskowski’s stronghold in the capital.
Nawrocki is set to be inaugurated on August 6. While tax laws originate in parliament, abolishing the Belka tax will require collaboration or a public referendum he has already mentioned. Nevertheless, his veto power is unilateral, enabling him to block any attempts by the ruling coalition to implement restrictive parts of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation into national law.
As of the latest update, Bitcoin was trading at $104,183.
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