Across Poland, anti-immigrant protests led by far-right groups gathered attention as thousands rallied in cities like Katowice. While politicians warn of an immigration crisis, official statistics contradict their claims of increased migration.
Nationwide Anti-Immigrant Protests Erupt in Poland
Nationwide Anti-Immigrant Protests Erupt in Poland
Thousands rally against immigration policies amid rising nationalist sentiments and claims of security threats.
Anti-immigrant demonstrations erupted in numerous towns and cities across Poland over the weekend, highlighting the nation's growing nationalist sentiments. While many rallies attracted only a few hundred participants, the biggest protest in Katowice saw approximately 3,000 attendees. The protests were organized by the far-right political group Konfederacja, along with another nationalist organization.
Speakers at the events, including Konfederacja co-chairman Krzysztof Bosak, voiced concerns about a supposed influx of illegal migrants undermining societal security. "Without closing Poland to illegal immigration, without starting deportation campaigns, without abandoning political correctness... security will gradually deteriorate," Bosak cautioned to those gathered in Bialystok.
At some protests, participants observed a moment of silence to honor a 24-year-old Polish woman who was tragically murdered in Torun. Interestingly, in Warsaw, rival demonstrations occurred in close proximity, yet authorities reported no incidents of violence. Following the murder, a Venezuelan man has been arrested in connection with the case.
Political leaders from Konfederacja and the ruling Law and Justice party maintain that Poland faces a crisis due to illegal migration. Despite this, official data indicates that current migration levels are lower compared to previous years. This aligns with recent governmental measures; earlier in October, Poland implemented stricter border checks with Germany and Lithuania, while Germany has similarly tightened its border controls.
Poland's position has become increasingly complex, especially after temporarily suspending the right of migrants arriving via its Belarusian border to seek asylum earlier this year. The combination of rising nationalism and immigration policies continues to spur a contentious atmosphere in Poland.
