Surge of Anti-Immigration Sentiment Fuels Protests Across Poland

In response to increasing fears over immigration, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Poland, orchestrated by nationalistic organizations claiming a need for stronger border control.

Anti-immigration demonstrations erupted in numerous Polish towns and cities as opposition to migration grows. The protests, primarily organized by the far-right political group Konfederacja, saw the largest turnout in Katowice, with an estimated 3,000 participants. Across the nation, the majority of rallies drew smaller crowds, each expressing concerns over what organizers describe as a potential crisis of illegal immigration.

Krzysztof Bosak, co-chairman of Konfederacja, voiced these anxieties at a rally in Bialystok, stating, "Without closing Poland to illegal immigration, without starting deportation campaigns, and without abandoning political correctness... security will gradually deteriorate." This sentiment echoes throughout Poland, particularly from right-wing politicians, despite the lack of supporting official statistics that suggest rising illegal immigration.

Some protests observed moments of silence for a Polish woman tragically murdered in Torun, an event that heightened emotions surrounding the demonstrations. In Warsaw, opposing rallies took place in close proximity, notably without incidents of violence. Polish authorities have since apprehended a Venezuelan man in connection with the murder, which has intensified the discussion around safety and immigration.

While Poland has seen an uptick in immigration over the last decade, recent data indicates that the total number of migrants has decreased in 2023. In response to perceived threats, Poland has tightened border controls with Germany and Lithuania and temporarily halted asylum applications for migrants arriving from Belarus. The situation continues to evolve as political and social pressures mount around the issue of immigration in Poland.