Poland has elected Karol Nawrocki as its new president with 50.89% of the vote, narrowly defeating Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Nawrocki ran on an explicitly pro-Bitcoin platform, promising to support blockchain innovation, protect cryptocurrency users’ rights, and reduce regulatory burdens on Poland’s crypto industry. He pledged to veto any laws restricting cryptocurrency freedoms and voiced support for abolishing the 19% capital gains tax on crypto profits, which could significantly lower cryptocurrency taxation within the European Economic Area.
Despite Nawrocki’s pro-crypto stance, the National Bank of Poland (NBP) remains cautious, explicitly rejecting the idea of holding Bitcoin as part of national reserves. NBP President Adam Glapiński emphasized preference for stable reserve assets like gold, which increased Poland's reserves value by 22% last year. Poland must also comply with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation by June 30, 2025, requiring crypto businesses to obtain licenses and meet strict standards.
Globally, the U.S. government has established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve via an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, holding over 198,000 BTC worth roughly $18 billion. The reserve includes major digital assets like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, signaling governmental embraces of cryptocurrencies as national assets. Other countries, such as El Salvador, Central African Republic, Argentina, and Venezuela, have also integrated Bitcoin into their monetary frameworks for economic stability purposes.
Nawrocki’s election arrives as Poland’s crypto adoption accelerates, with nearly 8 million crypto users expected by year-end 2025. His victory alters the political landscape by giving the conservative opposition presidential veto power, potentially blocking more restrictive crypto regulations. The new president’s influence may shape Poland’s future digital asset policies, emphasizing innovation and freedom over regulation.