Anti-immigration protests have surged across Poland, with demonstrations taking place in approximately 80 cities on Saturday. The rallies reflect a growing public discontent over the influx of illegal migrants and the strain on border security measures. The protests were organized by the right-wing political alliance known as the Confederation Liberty and Independence, which has consistently criticized the European Union’s migration policies.
One of the largest gatherings occurred in Katowice, the southern Polish city, where nearly 3,000 people took to the streets. According to public broadcaster TVP, most of the participants were men, with many from football fan clubs. The demonstrations were marked by the waving of Polish flags and loud chanting of anti-immigration slogans. A large banner displayed at the event read: “Refugees NOT welcome,” emphasizing the nationalist sentiment prevalent among the protesters.
Krzysztof Bosak, co-chairman of the Confederation, addressed a rally in Bialystok, where he accused the EU and NATO ally Germany of sending migrants across its border into Poland. Bosak criticized the Polish border patrol for being overworked and undermanned, arguing that the government was failing to secure the country’s borders. The Confederation has previously taken a hardline stance, opposing the EU’s immigration policies and calling for greater national control over immigration.
The protests came against a backdrop of heightened tensions over border security and public safety. Recent events, such as the death of a 24-year-old Polish woman in Torun, have further fueled anti-immigration sentiment. She was stabbed to death in the city, and a 19-year-old Colombian national has been charged with her murder. This incident has intensified fears of crime associated with illegal migration, prompting calls for stricter border controls and increased security measures.
The rise in anti-immigration sentiment in Poland has also led to the formation of local citizen patrols, which have been organized to monitor and block the entry of migrants at the country’s borders. These groups have been active in various border regions, reflecting a growing grassroots movement against the influx of illegal immigrants. In response, the Polish government has reimposed border controls with Germany and Lithuania, a move that was previously seen as a significant step in enforcing stricter immigration policies.
Poland’s actions have been met with accusations from Germany, which has been labeled by Polish officials as dumping thousands of migrants across its border. This accusation has exacerbated existing tensions between the two nations, contributing to the atmosphere of distrust and conflict. The protests and related incidents highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region, where concerns over security, national identity, and political alliances are increasingly intertwined.