The ceremony marked the end of outgoing President Andrzej Duda’s second term in office.
Karol Nawrocki is sworn in as Poland's new president, alongside his wife Marta Nawrocka. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
Nawrocki, who won the election earlier this year, took his oath before both houses of parliament in the plenary hall of the lower house shortly after 10 a.m. local time.
Poland's new president vows to defend sovereignty, oppose euro, illegal migration
In his first address as president, he outlined his vision for the country, vowing to uphold national sovereignty, resist deeper EU integration and oppose illegal migration or any plans to ditch the domestic zloty currency and switch to the euro.
Speaking to lawmakers, Nawrocki promised to be a voice for ordinary Poles and govern beyond party lines.
"I will make decisions not along political divisions, but against them—always in line with the voice of the Polish people," he said.
A former head of Poland's Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), Nawrocki positioned himself as a conservative leader intent on protecting national identity, security and traditional values.
He said his presidency would reject any attempts to raise the retirement age.
Though critical of many European Union policies, Nawrocki said Poland remains committed to the EU—but not at the expense of its sovereign rights.
He promised to be "the voice of those who want a sovereign Poland that is in the European Union ... but is and will remain Poland."
He vowed to oppose any attempts by Brussels to "take away Poland's powers."
'I will support our most important alliances'
The new president reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to its Western alliances, particularly its ties with America.
"I will support our most important alliances, particularly our alliance with the United States," he declared.
He pledged to support efforts to expand and modernise the country's armed forces and underscored his commitment to strengthening Poland's role within NATO and making the Polish army the largest NATO force in the EU.
He advocated for a stronger eastern flank of the alliance, closer cooperation with Central and Eastern European allies, and expanding the Bucharest Nine group to include Nordic countries.
Following the swearing-in, Nawrocki and his wife Marta participated in a series of ceremonial events, including a meeting with parliamentary leaders, a mass at St. John’s Basilica in Warsaw, and a formal acceptance of the presidential insignia at the Royal Castle—including the Order of the White Eagle and the Polonia Restituta Order, Poland’s highest civilian honours.
A symbolic transfer of military command took place at Piłsudski Square in the afternoon.
Nawrocki received a report from the Chief of the General Staff and greeted senior military commanders. He also delivered a speech and presided over a military parade.
Though symbolic, the ceremony highlighted his formal role as commander-in-chief, which constitutionally began with the oath of office.
New president takes charge of military, vows Europe's strongest army
As he formally assumed command of the country's armed forces, Nawrocki pledged to be an active commander-in-chief and to help transform the Polish military into the strongest NATO force in Europe.
During a ceremonial event at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in downtown Warsaw, Nawrocki declared his goal of building a 300,000-strong army—one he hopes will become the most powerful military force within NATO on the continent.
Earlier in the day, Nawrocki laid wreaths at several commemorative plaques in the Polish capital, including those honouring the late President Lech Kaczyński and other victims of the 2010 air disaster near Smolensk, western Russia.
Karol Nawrocki with his family in Warsaw on Wednesday. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
In the late afternoon, the president and his family settled into their residence at the Presidential Palace, state news agency PAP reported.
Supporters marched from the houses of parliament to the Presidential Palace as part of the "Red-and-White March for the President," co-organised by civic groups, including one known as Gazeta Polska Clubs, according to media reports.
Nawrocki delivered three speeches throughout the day—in parliament, at the Royal Castle, and during the military transition ceremony.
Image: KPRP/Polish President's Office
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Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info
Click on the audio player above for a report by Marcin Matuszewski.