A wave of anti-immigrant protests unfolded across Poland, as far-right group Konfederacja led the charge, claiming skyrocketing illegal immigration. Despite the fervor, official statistics contradict the narrative, showing a decline in migration rates.
Nationwide Anti-Immigrant Demonstrations Erupt in Poland
Nationwide Anti-Immigrant Demonstrations Erupt in Poland
Thousands rally against perceived immigration threats, spurred by far-right ideologies.
Anti-immigration demonstrations have swept through numerous towns and cities in Poland, characterized by a significant presence of far-right supporters. On Saturday, most protests attracted a few hundred participants, but the largest rally in Katowice saw around 3,000 attendees. Organized by the nationalist organization Konfederacja and other groups, these events reflect growing anxieties regarding immigration.
Krzysztof Bosak, co-chairman of Konfederacja, warned rally attendees in Bialystok that failing to take decisive action on illegal immigration would lead to declining security. Despite these claims, official data does not corroborate their concerns, showing that migration has actually decreased this year.
Some demonstrations observed a moment of silence for a Polish woman who was tragically murdered in Torun, while Warsaw experienced competing rallies in close proximity without reports of violence. A Venezuelan national has since been arrested in connection with the murder case, adding to the charged atmosphere surrounding immigration discussions.
In response to rising tensions, Poland implemented border checks with Germany and Lithuania earlier this month following Germany's new policy of turning away asylum seekers. Additionally, Poland had previously prohibited asylum applications from migrants entering through its Belarus border route. As Europe grapples with immigration challenges, the political landscape in Poland remains fraught with division and uncertainty.
