Polish presidential hopeful Karol Nawrocki has ignited controversy after being caught on live television appearing to ingest a banned substance during a nationally televised debate.
Viewers were quick to highlight footage showing Nawrocki placing a mysterious item in his mouth — a moment that quickly spread across Polish social media. Twitter users were the first to suggest that Nawrocki appeared to be using “snus,” a form of smokeless tobacco that is illegal in Poland.
In response to mounting questions, Nawrocki denied the accusation, claiming the substance was “nicotine gum” — a legal alternative often used for smoking cessation. However, media and political commentators were quick to point out discrepancies. The small pouch-like format seen on camera closely resembles snus rather than typical nicotine gum.
Polish media outlets have since published close-up stills and frame-by-frame breakdowns, with tobacco experts weighing in to support the snus theory. If true, Nawrocki may have violated Poland’s public health laws, which prohibit the sale and use of oral tobacco products such as snus.
