Hundreds of thousands of people joined Poland’s annual Independence Day march in Warsaw on Wednesday (11 Nov), as nationalist groups gathered amid heightened political tensions following a deadly shooting in Kraków.
The event, marking Poland’s restoration of independence in 1918 after more than a century of partition, was attended by President Karol Nawrocki, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for restraint and unity amid political divisions.
Key developments
- Organisers estimated the march attracted around 500,000 participants, while Warsaw officials put attendance at approximately 250,000, highlighting the differing estimates often seen at large public gatherings.
- The march featured Polish flags and nationalist messaging, with critics highlighting previous concerns over anti-immigration and antisemitic rhetoric.
- Security was increased, with additional police deployed and restrictions introduced on flares and access around the route.
The march comes as Poland remains divided between Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-European coalition government and President Karol Nawrocki’s conservative camp, with disputes over the Constitutional Tribunal and the future direction of the country continuing to fuel tensions.
The confrontation has become part of a broader debate over the rule of law, national identity and Poland’s role within Europe, ahead of the next parliamentary elections expected in 2027.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera, Reuters