Nationwide Protests Against Immigration Erupt in Poland

Anti-immigrant protests organized by the far-right Konfederacja party drew thousands across Poland, sparking debates over migration policies and safety, despite lower than usual immigrant numbers.

Anti-immigrant demonstrations erupted across Poland over the weekend, with rallies organized by the far-right political faction Konfederacja and various nationalist groups. Although most protests attracted only several hundred participants, police estimates indicate that the largest gathering in Katowice saw approximately 3,000 attendees.

The protests were fueled by claims from Konfederacja politicians and members of the ruling Law and Justice party regarding a supposed surge in illegal immigration. Konfederacja co-chairman Krzysztof Bosak articulated the urgency of the situation during a rally in Bialystok, stating, "Without closing Poland to illegal immigration, without starting deportation campaigns, without abandoning political correctness... security will gradually deteriorate."

Several gatherings observed a moment of silence to honor a 24-year-old Polish woman recently murdered in Torun, which intensified emotions surrounding the demonstrations. In Warsaw, rival protests were held close together, although they concluded without incidents of violence. Nonetheless, authorities did arrest a Venezuelan man connected to the murder case that prompted the memorial.

The claims of an immigration influx made by right-wing politicians come at a time when official statistics indicate a decrease in migration to Poland in the current year compared to previous ones. Earlier this month, Poland heightened border checks with Germany and Lithuania, following Germany's decision to deny asylum seekers. Additionally, Poland had previously suspended asylum applications from migrants entering through its border with Belarus.