Polish voters will head to the polls on May 18 to elect a new president to replace Andrzej Duda, who is completing his second and final term. Currently, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski of the Civic Platform (PO) party leads the polls, followed by Karol Nawrocki of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party. However, Mentzen is steadily narrowing the gap, with the latest Opinia24 poll showing him at 18.9%, just behind Nawrocki at 19.5%.
Mentzen enjoys strong support among young voters, with 46% of those aged 18-29 backing him. He also leads in the 30-39 age bracket and has a slight advantage over Trzaskowski among male voters. His success is largely attributed to his social media-driven campaign strategy, leveraging platforms like TikTok, X, and YouTube to spread his nationalist, conservative, and libertarian messages.
If elected, Mentzen’s crypto policies could bring significant changes to Poland’s financial landscape. Historically, Poland has taken a cautious stance on cryptocurrencies, enforcing strict regulations to comply with European Union standards. The National Bank of Poland (NBP) and the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) have frequently warned against the risks of investing in digital assets, even as the country has fostered a growing blockchain startup ecosystem.
Mentzen’s plan to position Poland as a crypto haven could attract greater foreign investment in blockchain, enhance the country's global competitiveness, and reduce reliance on the euro and the dollar in international trade. If Poland were to adopt a Bitcoin reserve, it would set a precedent for other European nations to consider similar measures.
The economic impact of this policy could be substantial. On the one hand, adopting Bitcoin as a strategic asset could accelerate financial innovation and attract top technology talent to Poland. On the other hand, Bitcoin’s volatility could pose risks to economic stability if not managed with appropriate regulatory measures. Additionally, the influence of the European Union and shared monetary policies will play a crucial role in determining how much freedom Poland has in shaping its crypto ecosystem.
For retail investors, a Mentzen victory could bring short-term benefits, with increased adoption and liquidity in the Polish crypto market. If the government indeed implements low taxes and supportive regulations, more people may be encouraged to invest in digital assets. However, key risks remain, including potential restrictions from European regulators if Poland’s policies are seen as conflicting with broader EU financial regulations.
Mentzen’s growing popularity, especially among young voters, reflects a shift in Poland’s political landscape toward a more crypto-friendly approach. With a strong social media presence and a focus on Bitcoin as a strategic asset, he is becoming an increasingly competitive candidate in the 2025 presidential race. If elected, his policies could redefine Poland’s role in the global crypto industry, creating opportunities and challenges for both the national economy and retail investors.