List of Presidents of Poland and the Current President

Poland, a nation with a complex and turbulent political history, has seen a series of leaders who have shaped its modern identity. From the rebirth of Polish independence in 1918 to the present day, the presidency has played a pivotal role in guiding the country through wars, communist rule, democratic reforms, and its integration into the European Union. Below, we provide a detailed list of Polish presidents, their legacies, and the role of the current president of Poland in today’s global political landscape.

The Role of the President of Poland

The President of Poland serves as the head of state, the highest representative of the Republic, and the guarantor of the Constitution. The office carries both symbolic and executive power, including:

• Representing Poland in international affairs

• Serving as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces

• Appointing judges, ambassadors, and ministers

• Holding veto power over parliamentary legislation

• Acting as the guardian of national sovereignty and independence

This role has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1922, reflecting the country’s shifts between democracy, authoritarianism, foreign occupation, and communism.

List of Presidents of Poland and the Current President: A Complete Historical Timeline

First Republic Presidents (1918–1939)

After Poland regained independence in 1918, the presidency was established to provide stability to the reborn nation.

1. Gabriel Narutowicz (1922)

   • First president of Poland, assassinated only days after taking office.

   • Remembered as a symbol of national unity and tragic political violence.

2. Stanisław Wojciechowski (1922–1926)

   • Oversaw a fragile parliamentary democracy.

   • Forced to resign following Józef Piłsudski’s May Coup in 1926.

3. Ignacy Mościcki (1926–1939)

   • Served during Piłsudski’s authoritarian rule (Sanacja regime).

   • His presidency ended with the German invasion of Poland in 1939.

Government-in-Exile Presidents (1939–1990)

When Poland was occupied during World War II and later placed under Soviet control, the legitimate government continued abroad, mainly in London.

4. Władysław Raczkiewicz (1939–1947)

   • First president of the Polish government-in-exile.

   • Represented continuity of the Polish state during WWII.

5. August Zaleski (1947–1972)

   • Served during difficult years of exile, often criticized for his long term.

6. Stanisław Ostrowski (1972–1979)

   • Maintained the symbolic presidency abroad.

7. Edward Raczyński (1979–1986)

   • Diplomat and nobleman, helped maintain Polish political visibility internationally.

8. Kazimierz Sabbat (1986–1989)

   • Actively supported the Solidarity movement within Poland.

9. Ryszard Kaczorowski (1989–1990)

   • Last president in exile, handed power to Lech Wałęsa after the fall of communism.

People’s Republic of Poland Presidents (1947–1989)

During communist rule, the office of president was replaced with the State National Council and later the Council of State. Though symbolic, its leaders represented Soviet influence.

Notable leaders included:

• Bolesław Bierut (Head of State, 1947–1952)

• Aleksander Zawadzki (Council of State Chairman, 1952–1964)

• Henryk Jabłoński (1972–1985)

• Wojciech Jaruzelski (1989) – presided over the transition to democracy.

Third Republic Presidents (1990–Present)

With the fall of communism in 1989, the modern presidency of Poland was restored.

1. Lech Wałęsa (1990–1995)

   • Iconic leader of Solidarity.

   • Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

   • Oversaw Poland’s transition to democracy and market economy.

2. Aleksander Kwaśniewski (1995–2005)

   • Guided Poland into NATO (1999) and the European Union (2004).

   • Advocated democratic reforms and European integration.

3. Lech Kaczyński (2005–2010)

   • Conservative leader focused on national sovereignty.

   • Tragically died in the Smolensk plane crash in 2010.

4. Bronisław Komorowski (2010–2015)

   • Took office after Kaczyński’s death.

   • Promoted strong ties with the European Union and NATO.

5. Andrzej Duda (2015–Present)

   • Current president of Poland.

   • Member of the Law and Justice Party (PiS).

   • Advocates for conservative values, national sovereignty, and a strong role in NATO.

   • Re-elected in 2020, serving until at least 2025.

The Current President of Poland: Andrzej Duda

Andrzej Duda, born in 1972 in Kraków, is the sixth president of Poland in the Third Republic. A lawyer by training and former Member of the European Parliament, Duda rose to power with the support of the conservative Law and Justice Party.

Key Achievements of Andrzej Duda

• Defense and NATO: Advocated for increased U.S. military presence in Poland and strengthened NATO cooperation.

• Judicial Reforms: Supported controversial judicial changes criticized by the EU, aimed at restructuring Poland’s court system.

• Foreign Policy: Positioned Poland as a strong regional player, particularly in Eastern Europe and within the Visegrád Group.

• Economic Initiatives: Expanded social programs, including child benefits and retirement policies.

• COVID-19 Response: Oversaw Poland’s management of the pandemic and vaccination campaign.

Duda’s presidency is marked by a focus on conservatism, nationalism, and sovereignty, often putting him at odds with Brussels but strengthening Poland’s role as a key NATO ally.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s): About the Full List of Presidents of Poland and the Current President

1. Who was the first President of Poland?

   Gabriel Narutowicz was the first President of Poland, elected in 1922, but tragically assassinated shortly after taking office.

2. Who is the current President of Poland?

   The current President of Poland is Andrzej Duda, serving since 2015 and re-elected in 2020.

3. Which Polish president oversaw Poland’s entry into the European Union?

   Aleksander Kwaśniewski led Poland into the European Union in 2004.

4. Who was the president of Poland during the fall of communism?

   Wojciech Jaruzelski was the last communist leader, followed by Lech Wałęsa, the first democratically elected president of modern Poland.

5. How long is a presidential term in Poland?

   The presidential term in Poland lasts five years, with the possibility of one re-election.

Conclusion

The presidents of Poland reflect the country’s long struggle for independence, democracy, and identity in Europe. From Gabriel Narutowicz’s tragic assassination in 1922 to Andrzej Duda’s contemporary leadership, the presidency has been a mirror of Poland’s evolving political landscape. Today, Poland stands as a proud member of the European Union and NATO, with its leadership continuing to shape not only national but also regional and international politics.