Hundreds of thousands of protesters have gathered in Warsaw for one of Poland’s largest demonstrations since the fall of communism in 1989. The march, organized by various opposition parties, aims to voice opposition against the nationalist Law and Justice party (PiS), led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski. The event witnessed the presence of prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Donald Tusk and former President Lech Walesa.
The PiS has dismissed the protest as a “march of hate,” but the turnout has been significant, with an estimated half a million people attending. The demonstration coincides with the 34th anniversary of Poland’s first partially-free elections, adding symbolic weight to the event. The protest has not been limited to Warsaw alone, as simultaneous demonstrations have taken place in other Polish cities, including Krakow.
The protest encompasses a wide range of issues, reflecting the concerns of the participants. People are expressing frustration over inflation, rising living costs, and advocating for the rights of women and the LGBT community. Additionally, there are concerns surrounding a new law that is seen as a threat to Poland’s democracy. Criticized by the EU and US, the law establishes a commission to investigate Russian influence in Polish politics and grants the power to ban individuals from assuming public office for 10 years. The government has denied allegations of undermining democracy, and President Andrzej Duda has proposed amendments to address these concerns.
Critics argue that the law could still be used against political opponents, including Mr. Tusk, who is the main opposition leader and the head of the centrist Civic Platform (PO) party. Furthermore, opponents believe that the protest could potentially impact this year’s parliamentary elections, possibly bolstering the PiS’ standing.
Pictures from the protest show crowds waving Polish and EU flags, holding placards, and chanting slogans like “democracy” and “we will win.” Participants have voiced their determination to defend democracy and express their discontent with the current state of affairs. Donald Tusk, in his address to the supporters, commended their efforts, emphasizing the importance of raising one’s voice for democracy.
Ahead of the event, the PiS accused the organizers of hypocrisy, citing instances of police brutality and media repression during Mr. Tusk’s tenure. Analysts view these protests as a unifying force for Poland’s opposition groups, despite their political differences. However, the PiS remains ahead in opinion polls, and the protests are expected to mobilize their supporters further.
Overall, the demonstration in Warsaw represents a significant moment in Poland’s history, with people from various backgrounds coming together to voice their concerns and advocate for change. The breadth of issues addressed reflects the deep-seated frustrations within the country, highlighting the importance of democracy and the desire for a better future.