Sławomir Mentzen of the far-right Confederation party has risen in the polls for Poland’s presidential election, now in second place with 18.9% support. His success reflects an effective campaign and mainstreaming of his positions by the leading candidates. Mentzen has been able to detoxify his party’s image and increase visibility through social media and public speeches.

Mentzen’s rise has been aided by the expulsion of extremist leaders from Confederation, as well as the adoption of his rhetoric by the leading candidates. Both Trzaskowski and Nawrocki have taken positions on immigration and other issues that were previously associated with Confederation. This has led to concerns that they are imitating Mentzen’s views to win over his supporters.

The return of Donald Trump to office and growing frustration with the current government have also contributed to Mentzen’s popularity. He offers an alternative to the two main parties, PiS and PO, and presents himself as a serious candidate in a field where all other main candidates are associated with these parties. Mentzen’s rise in the polls shows that he has momentum going into the election, with the possibility of breaking into the top two candidates.