Tens of thousands of Poles, including leaders of the nationalist opposition, participated in an annual Independence Day march in Warsaw on Monday, organized by right-wing groups.
The march has become a point of contention between Poland’s right-wing and conservative factions and the liberal government, which has been in power since December following a general election that ended eight years of nationalist rule. The government, led by Donald Tusk, faces challenges in opinion polls, with its leftist and centre-right junior coalition members embroiled in infighting over key issues like the potential return of abortion rights.
The right-wing Confederation party, whose politicians helped organize the event, has gained momentum since the election, now polling at about 12%, reflecting a broader anti-migration sentiment seen across Europe. “We join this march… with one intention. We want the patriotic camp to be united, we want the patriotic camp to walk together in this march and in other political undertakings,” said Jaroslaw Kaczynski, leader of the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party, before the event. “So that Poland is sovereign and its nation is not subject to leftist experiments that damage social structures.”
During its eight years in power, PiS emphasized conservative family values, including a near-total abortion ban, and worked to consolidate control over the media and judiciary. The march saw thousands waving red-and-white Polish flags, while some chanted slogans like “White Europe of brotherly nations!” and “Stop the European Union!” Others held banners reading “Stop mass migration” or “Stop turning Poland into Ukraine.”
Warsaw authorities estimated the turnout at around 90,000, while organizers claimed it was closer to 200,000.
