Protests Erupt in Warsaw Over Immigration Policies Ahead of Presidential Election
Warsaw, Poland – May 10, 2025: More than 50,000 people took to the streets of Warsaw on Saturday, staging a large-scale protest against the Polish government's immigration policies and what demonstrators described as failed directives from Brussels. The demonstration, organized by nationalist opposition groups, highlighted mounting public concern over national identity and economic pressures as Poland prepares for a pivotal presidential election on May 18.
Protest Details and Organization
The march began at the Dmowskiego Roundabout and proceeded toward the seat of government, ending at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. Protesters carried red and white national flags and chanted slogans such as “no to immigration” and “Wake up, Poland.” The event, led by Robert Bąkiewicz of the Independence March Association, drew participants from across the country and remained largely peaceful, with authorities reporting no major incidents.
Key Issues and Political Context
Immigration has become a central issue in the current election cycle. Many demonstrators voiced opposition to the creation of integration and assistance centers for immigrants and called for the reinstatement of full border controls with Germany. A petition demanding restored border control was handed over to the Prime Minister’s Office during the protest.
The protest comes at a time when Poland hosts around one million refugees from the war in neighboring Ukraine, alongside roughly two million Ukrainian citizens living in the country, many as economic migrants. While Poland was initially praised for its solidarity with Ukrainian refugees, there has been a noticeable shift in public sentiment, with some political candidates now pledging to limit further support for migrants.
Election Implications
The demonstration occurred just days before the first round of the presidential election, in which immigration is expected to play a decisive role. Nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the right-wing Law and Justice party and outgoing President Andrzej Duda, has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of mass immigration and is currently polling second with about 25 percent support. The frontrunner, Warsaw’s pro-European Union Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, supported by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition, leads with around 30–32 percent.
Regional and European Context
Poland’s protest reflects broader tensions across Europe regarding migration, particularly as the country accuses Russia and Belarus of orchestrating waves of immigration into the European Union. The debate over migration policy is expected to continue dominating the political landscape in the lead-up to the election and beyond.
Authorities’ Response
The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw issued a demonstration alert ahead of the protest, warning of potential traffic disruptions and advising citizens to avoid large gatherings and monitor local media for updates. Despite the massive turnout, the protest concluded without significant disturbances.
The scale and intensity of the protest underscore the deep divisions in Polish society over migration and national identity, setting the stage for a contentious presidential election where these issues are likely to remain at the forefront.