Nationwide Protests Erupt in Poland Over Immigration Concerns

Demonstrations across Poland, led by nationalist groups, reflect growing fears over immigration. Despite heightened rhetoric from politicians, official statistics show lower migration levels this year, raising questions about the narrative around illegal immigration.

Anti-immigration protests unfolded in numerous towns and cities throughout Poland on Saturday, reflecting rising tensions surrounding migration issues. Most gatherings drew several hundred participants, but the largest rally in the southern city of Katowice attracted an estimated 3,000 individuals, highlighting significant discontent among certain segments of the population.

Organized by the far-right political group Konfederacja and affiliated nationalist organizations, these protests centered on concerns about illegal immigration, despite official statistics contradicting claims of a migration surge. Krzysztof Bosak, co-chairman of Konfederacja, addressed attendees in Bialystok, arguing that without proactive measures to combat illegal immigration and increased deportations, national security would be at risk.

A minute's silence was observed at some protests in memory of a 24-year-old Polish woman who was murdered in Torun, emphasizing a potent mix of grief and anger among demonstrators. In Warsaw, rival protests occurred mere meters apart, although police reported no violence ensued during the events. Authorities have since arrested a Venezuelan man in connection with the murder case.

Right-wing politicians have expressed alarm over the perceived threat of illegal migrants filling Polish borders. While immigration numbers have indeed grown over the past decade, current figures indicate that the influx of migrants is lower this year than in previous years, complicating the narrative promoted by some political factions.

Earlier this month, Poland fortified its border checks with Germany and Lithuania following Germany's decision to refuse asylum seekers, further tightening the immigration landscape. Additionally, in March, Poland temporarily halted the asylum application rights for migrants arriving via its border with Belarus, signaling an increasingly strict approach towards migration control.