Background on the Situation in Poland
Poland, a member of the European Union, is currently facing significant challenges related to immigration as it hosts approximately one million Ukrainian refugees. The country is also grappling with a migrant wave that Warsaw claims is being orchestrated by Belarus and Moscow. This issue has become a central theme in the ongoing presidential election campaign, with the first round scheduled for May 18.
Protest Details and Key Players
On Saturday, thousands of people gathered in Warsaw to protest against illegal immigration and the pro-European government of Donald Tusk, just eight days before the presidential election’s first round. The protesters, hailing from across Poland at the call of nationalist organizations, carried national flags and chanted slogans such as “This is Poland” and “No to immigration.”
The demonstrators marched towards the government headquarters in the capital, also supporting conservative presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki. Nawrocki, a 42-year-old supported by the opposition party Law and Justice (PiS), ranks second in polls with around 25% of intended votes, trailing favorite Rafal Trzaskowski (32%) from the Civic Coalition (KO) led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Protesters’ Concerns and Motivations
Many protesters, like 66-year-old farmer Boguslaw Uchmanowicz, expressed their belief that Poland should protect itself from illegal immigration. “Poland must defend itself against illegal immigration. Migrants have their own countries, and they should stay there,” Uchmanowicz told AFP.
Waclawa Kur, a 72-year-old retiree, emphasized the perceived threat migrants pose to Polish security. “We are fighting to ensure our safety, happiness, and the ability for our children to walk freely,” she stated.
Election Outlook
A second round of the presidential election, set for June 1, seems inevitable to determine the successor of conservative President Andrzej Duda, whose second and final term is nearing its end.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the main candidates in the Polish presidential election? The two leading candidates are Rafal Trzaskowski from the Civic Coalition (KO) and Karol Nawrocki from the Law and Justice (PiS) party.
- What is the main issue driving the protests in Warsaw? The primary concern for protesters is illegal immigration, which they believe threatens Poland’s security and national identity.
- What is the current situation regarding refugees in Poland? Poland hosts around one million Ukrainian refugees and faces a migrant wave it attributes to Belarus and Russia.
- When is the next round of the Polish presidential election? The second round is scheduled for June 1 to decide on the successor of President Andrzej Duda.
