Anti-immigrant protests organized by the Liberty and Independence Party of the far-right Union have been held in more than 80 cities in Poland, including Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Lokro and Bieristok.
The protesters called for the closure of the borders with Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus and Slovakia.
“A sufficient policy of a longstanding policy of ‘letting everyone in and then determining who they are’,” Kurzishstov Bossak, one of the leaders of the Confederation Party, wrote in X.
“Polish women and men have the right to worry about the level of safety in their homeland,” he added.
In a speech at the start of the march, Bosak called for the resignation of the government of Donald Task, the closure of borders with Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus and Slovakia, and asked for permission for soldiers to shoot people illegally crossing the border to curb illegal immigration.
“Security will gradually worsen without Poland closing its illegal immigration, launching deportation operations, abandoning political correctness, without equipping border guards and persons who control the legality of residence, and without controlling the labor market,” he said.
The protest came shortly after Poland introduced border controls between Germany and Lithuania, and came into effect on July 7th.
At the Polish-German border, controls are located at 52 locations and 13 Polish-Lithuanian borders.
The issue of migration is controversial and a controversial topic in Polish politics, especially as the country has experienced an increase in immigration in recent years.
The far-right candidates worked well in the first round of the presidential election held in May, with Slawomir Mentzen working well along with Grzegorz Braun, the alliance of the Polish Crown Party, who came third and fourth respectively.
Many believe that the success of both candidates is due to their hard-line attitude towards migration.
Cabinet agrees to the rules of asylum
On Friday, Poland and five other EU countries agreed to a set of goals to close the rules of asylum. During a meeting hosted by the German Home Minister, German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz admitted that he was “pleasant that Poland is implementing border control.”
Last year, Poland saw an increase in asylum applications as the crisis at its eastern border with Belarus recurred since 2021.
As a result, the Polish Parliament passed a law temporarily suspending the right to apply for asylum for people crossing Belarus’ borders.
Poles and European leaders have long criticized Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for destabilizing the EU for the influx of immigrants.
On Saturday morning, the Ministry of Home Affairs released statistics on the number of approvals issued for special protection for foreigners of X.
“In 2024, there were 40% less approvals for special protection for foreigners than in 2021. This is the result of managed systems, operations at borders and more efficient procedures,” the post read.
“The government is pursuing a responsible, well-considered transition policy that addresses citizen stability and security,” he added.
Counter demonstrations in many cities
The rebellious march against the Union Marine was held in Warsaw, Katwitze, Orstin and other cities on Saturday.
Protesters raised the flag with the slogans: “Accepting refugees and removing fascists,” “Democracy of action,” and “We defend the right of asylum.”
“Everyone should feel comfortable not only in Poland but also in Europe, regardless of their skin color and origin,” said Maria Kusishak of the International Humanitarian Initiative Foundation during the demonstration.
