Nawrocki gives Ukraine a chance on the order; Krakow is a test before the 2027 elections

A decision regarding the Order of the White Eagle for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains pending, with Polish President Andrzej Duda signaling a strategic delay. Following a strong reaction from Karol Nawrocki, head of the Chancellery of the President, the Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle convened. However, the final decision has not yet been announced, with signals from the Presidential Palace suggesting a desire to avoid a formal revocation of the award. This approach appears to be a gesture towards the Ukrainian side, creating an opportunity for Kyiv to make a move that would resolve the situation.

Analysts note the paradox of the situation: for a significant portion of the Polish public, the political impact of "revoking the order" has already occurred, even without a formal decision. The Palace has thus sent a strong signal to its own electorate while leaving a window of opportunity open for Ukraine. This window, however, is not expected to remain open indefinitely. If no change occurs in Kyiv's stance, a decision could be made shortly after Nawrocki's return from the United States.

Beyond the Zelenskyy award, the discussion touches upon President Duda's recent vetoes, particularly concerning cryptocurrency regulation and the employment of doctors from outside the EU who have not passed Polish language exams. While the cryptocurrency veto is seen as politically useful but socially niche, affecting only about 6% of adult Poles, it serves to keep the opposition (KO) mobilized. The veto on foreign doctors, however, is anticipated to resonate more broadly. Many, even those generally supportive of migrants, may agree that doctors working with patients must possess a communicative level of Polish.

The conversation also shifts to upcoming local elections in Krakow, following the dismissal of Aleksander Miszalski. This race is viewed as an early test for political alignments ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections. The Civic Platform (KO) and the Polish People's Party (PSL) plan to field a joint candidate, Senator Monika Piątkowska, raising questions about future cooperation models between the two parties. Meanwhile, the PSL is reportedly exploring the possibility of a unified right-wing list under presidential patronage.