Poland witnessed a wave of anti-immigration protests organized by the far-right Konfederacja party, drawing thousands to express fears over illegal migration and security, despite conflicting official data.
Nationwide Anti-Immigration Protests Unfold in Poland
Nationwide Anti-Immigration Protests Unfold in Poland
Large-scale demonstrations led by far-right groups highlight rising tensions over immigration policies and security concerns.
Anti-immigrant demonstrations erupted across Poland on Saturday, with various towns and cities witnessing rallies primarily led by the far-right political group, Konfederacja. While many gatherings attracted only a few hundred participants, the largest protest took place in Katowice, where police estimated around 3,000 attendees. The protests were fueled by assertions from Konfederacja and members of the opposition Law and Justice party about an impending surge in illegal immigration, claims that official data does not substantiate.
Krzysztof Bosak, co-chairman of Konfederacja, addressed the crowd in Bialystok, asserting that without strict measures against illegal immigration and increased deportations, Poland's security would inevitably decline. Some demonstrations observed a moment of silence for a 24-year-old Polish woman who was murdered in the city of Torun, creating a somber tone at events.
Warsaw saw competing rallies occurring mere meters apart, though authorities reported no incidents of violence. In relation to the murder case, a Venezuelan man has been arrested. Right-wing politicians continue to warn that Poland could be inundated with illegal migrants, despite this year’s migration levels being lower than those of previous years. Earlier this month, Poland implemented border checks with Germany and Lithuania, following Germany's stricter asylum policies, along with suspending asylum rights for migrants crossing from Belarus in March.
