Nationwide demonstrations opposing immigration have erupted in various Polish towns and cities, predominantly organized by the far-right political faction Konfederacja along with other nationalist groups.
While many protests drew modest crowds, the most significant rally in Katowice saw around 3,000 participants. Leaders from Konfederacja and the opposition Law and Justice party have voiced concerns over what they describe as a surge in illegal immigration, despite official statistics not substantiating these claims.
During a speech in Bialystok, Krzysztof Bosak, co-chairman of Konfederacja, emphasized the perceived need for stricter immigration measures, warning that Poland’s security could wane without them. Some events observed a moment of silence for a recently murdered Polish woman, reflecting the somber tones of these gatherings.
In Warsaw, counter-protests occurred in close proximity, but fortunately without incidents of violence. A Venezuelan man has been taken into custody in relation to the murder.
The Polish government recently intensified border checks with Germany and Lithuania, following Germany’s decision to reject asylum seekers. In March, Poland also temporarily halted asylum requests from migrants arriving via Belarus. Despite a notable increase in migration over the past decade, recent data indicates lower immigration numbers this year.
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