Nationwide Anti-Immigrant Protests Erupt in Poland

In recent days, several anti-immigration protests have taken place throughout Poland, led by far-right factions like Konfederacja. Despite their warnings about illegal immigration, official statistics suggest a decrease in migration activities this year.

Anti-immigration protests have erupted in cities and towns across Poland, spearheaded by far-right political factions such as Konfederacja. While most demonstrations attracted modest crowds, the largest rally in Katowice saw around 3,000 attendees. Protesters voiced concerns over what they perceive as a rising tide of illegal migration, echoing sentiments from Konfederacja leaders and the opposition Law and Justice party.

Krzysztof Bosak, a co-chairman of Konfederacja, addressed the gathering in Bialystok, proclaiming that without stringent measures to curb illegal immigration and a shift away from "political correctness," the safety of Polish citizens would be compromised. Many rallies observed a moment of silence in honor of a 24-year-old Polish woman recently murdered in Torun, an incident that has linked the immigration debate to broader security concerns.

In Warsaw, counter-protests unfolded mere meters apart, but reports indicate that the events proceeded without violence. Following the fatal incident, authorities apprehended a Venezuelan man in connection with the case. Right-wing politicians continue to assert that Poland is facing an imminent crisis due to illegal migration, even as recent statistics show a decline in migration numbers this year when compared to previous years.

The Polish government has reacted to rising immigration scrutiny by implementing border checks with Germany and Lithuania, a move taken after Germany initiated its own border controls, effectively turning away asylum seekers. Additionally, Poland has temporarily suspended asylum rights for migrants entering through its border with Belarus since March.