Thousands protest against migration in Poland
Across Poland, thousands of people took to the streets to protest immigration – organized by the right-wing populist Konfederacja party. It polarizes with radical slogans and is gaining increasing influence.
Thousands of people gathered in Warsaw and around 80 other Polish cities on Saturday to protest against the acceptance of migrants. The protests were called by the right-wing populist and, in part, far-right parliamentary party Konfederacja, which has distinguished itself for years through anti-immigration, anti-European, and homophobic rhetoric.
Chants and slogans against migrantsThe demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Stop immigration!" and "Stop the invasion of immigrants." Banners bore messages such as "Here is Poland" and "Poland for the Poles." In several cities, participants also displayed anti-Muslim symbols, and anti-Semitic signs were occasionally spotted.
Counter-demonstrations also formed in larger cities, some under the slogan "Stop Fascism!" Most of the rallies were peaceful, police told the PAP news agency. However, an incident occurred in Warsaw when right-wing hooligans from the Legia Warsaw football club attacked a group of counter-demonstrators. As the online portal of the public broadcaster TVP Info reported, police intervened.
TV images also showed an elderly woman, known as an anti-fascist activist, being taken away. The reason given was that she had gotten too close to the demonstration.
Confederation on the riseThe Konfederacja party is represented in both the Polish parliament, the Sejm, and the European Parliament . Its candidate came third in the 2025 presidential election. Its harsh rhetoric against foreigners, minorities, and the European Union is gaining increasing support.
According to a recent survey by the news portal Onet.pl, more than 30 percent of respondents support Konfederacja's future participation in government.
pgr/se (dpa)
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